A Moscow court has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Chichvarkin, a London-based restaurateur with prior ties to Russia, accusing him of spreading ‘fake news’ about the war in Ukraine. The charges, brought under Russia’s stringent ‘foreign agent’ law, allege that Chichvarkin evaded compliance with legal obligations regarding foreign influence. This marks the second time the court has targeted Chichvarkin, who fled Russia in 2022 following his involvement in the war in Ukraine and subsequent accusations of espionage.
Chichvarkin, who formerly operated a chain of restaurants in Russia, has faced multiple legal actions since relocating to the UK. His case underscores the ongoing legal tensions between Russian authorities and expatriates, particularly those perceived as critical of the state. The court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for a non-resident signals a broader enforcement strategy by Russian authorities against individuals deemed to have disseminated information contrary to the state’s narrative.
Legal experts suggest that the charges may be part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent and control narratives, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. While Chichvarkin has not commented publicly on the matter, his case has sparked debate about the reach of Russian law beyond its borders and the implications for freedom of expression for expatriates.