Russian authorities have arrested oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 22 anti-war activists, charging them with terrorism and attempting to stage a coup. The Federal Security Service (FSB) alleges that the Anti-War Committee seeks to violently overthrow the government and change the constitutional order. These accusations have led to widespread international criticism, with many viewing them as politically motivated.
The charges against Khodorkovsky, a former oil tycoon and political prisoner, are particularly significant given his historical ties to the Kremlin and the controversy surrounding his past convictions. The anti-war activists, many of whom are associated with the Anti-War Committee, have been vocal in their opposition to the war in Ukraine, which has put them at odds with the Russian government. The FSB’s claim that their activities constitute a ‘change in the constitutional order’ suggests a broader effort to suppress dissent and control the narrative around the conflict.
Human rights organizations and Western governments have condemned the arrests, citing concerns over the suppression of free speech and political opposition. The FSB’s actions are seen as part of a wider pattern of cracking down on perceived threats to the regime, a trend that has been ongoing since the early days of Vladimir Putin’s leadership. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for the release of the accused and an investigation into the legality of the charges.