Russia has added former Prime Minister Vladimir Kasyanov to its ‘terrorists and extremists’ list, marking a significant expansion of the Kremlin’s efforts to suppress political dissent. Alongside Kasyanov, economist Sergei Guriev and journalist Kirill Martynov were also included in this designation. This move has raised concerns among international observers, who view it as an attempt to stifle political opposition and control media narratives.
The Kremlin’s decision is seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and limit dissent within Russia. Kasyanov, a former government official, is known for his political activism and criticism of the current regime. Guriev, an economist, has been a vocal critic of government policies, while Martynov, a media editor, has faced scrutiny for his editorial stance and reporting on sensitive issues.
International reactions have been mixed, with some countries expressing condemnation of the move while others have remained silent. The designation of these individuals as ‘terrorists and extremists’ is likely to have implications for their legal status and freedom of expression. The decision underscores the increasing authoritarian tendencies within the Russian government and its efforts to maintain control over political and media discourse.