Russia has added former Prime Minister Vladimir Kasyanov, economist Sergei Guriev, and Novaya Gazeta Europe editor-in-chief Kirill Martynov to its list of ‘terrorists and extremists’. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and opposition groups, with the Kremlin accusing these individuals of undermining national security and destabilizing the country. The designation of these figures as extremists is seen as a significant escalation in Russia’s campaign against critics of the government.
Kasyanov, a former prime minister under President Boris Yeltsin, has been a vocal critic of the current administration. His inclusion in the list reflects the Kremlin’s efforts to silence dissent and control the narrative in Russia. Similarly, Guriev, a prominent economist, has been a frequent critic of the government’s economic policies, and his designation is viewed as an attempt to suppress independent analysis and commentary. Martynov, the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe, is known for his investigative journalism and has faced multiple legal challenges in the past.
Analysts suggest that this expansion of the list is part of a broader strategy to criminalize political opposition and consolidate power. The decision has sparked international concern, with several countries and human rights organizations condemning the move as a violation of fundamental freedoms. However, the Russian government maintains that these actions are necessary to protect national security and maintain stability.