Russia has officially added former Prime Minister Vladimir Kasyanov to its list of ‘terrorists and extremists,’ a move that has sparked international concern and domestic controversy. The designation also includes economist Sergei Guriev and Kirill Martynov, the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe. These additions are part of a broader pattern of targeting critics and dissenters, reflecting the government’s increasing efforts to control political narratives and suppress opposition voices.
Kasyanov, who served as Prime Minister under Vladimir Putin from 2000 to 2100, played a pivotal role in the country’s economic reforms and political landscape. His inclusion on the list underscores the government’s desire to neutralize potential threats to its authority. Similarly, Guriev, a prominent economist, has long been a vocal critic of Russia’s economic policies and has consistently advocated for reforms that challenge the status quo.
Martynov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe, is a leading figure in Russian media and has frequently published investigative reports that scrutinize government actions. His designation signals the government’s crackdown on press freedom and the pursuit of journalists who expose corruption or human rights abuses. Analysts suggest that these moves are part of a coordinated effort to silence opposition and consolidate power, with significant implications for civil liberties and political discourse within the country.