Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin detained by police
Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin has been detained by police following his recent designation as a 'foreign agent.' Nadezhdin, who previously attempted to challenge Vladimir Putin in the 2024 presidential election, remains committed to his political activities despite the arrest.
Why it matters
The detention highlights the ongoing suppression of political dissent in Russia and the shrinking space for opposition figures to participate in the electoral process.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Boris Nadezhdin attempted to run against Vladimir Putin in 2024
An anti-war politician who tried to challenge Vladimir Putin at the last Russian presidential election has been arrested, according to his social media account.
Boris Nadezhdin was taken to a police station in a town west of Moscow on Monday morning, weeks after announcing he would run as a candidate in September's Duma (parliamentary) elections.
"They took him from his home," his press secretary told BBC Russian. "The reason for his detention is unknown."
Last week, Nadezhdin was designated a "foreign agent" by the justice ministry and accused of spreading false information about the Russian government and calling people to take part in unauthorised rallies.
The label would have prevented him from taking part in September's elections.
"What is there to say? I will continue to live and fight," he commented.
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