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The Tribunal for Putin (T4P) global initiative was set up in response to the all-out war launched by Russia against Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian opposition figure abducted in Kyiv

20.10.2012   
Leonid Razvozzhaev, a Russian opposition figure has been abducted minutes after seeking political asylum via the UNHCR in Kyiv. One of the other opposition figures questioned in Moscow with him is now in jail charged with organizing mass riots

Leonid Razvozzhaev  Photo: leftpenza.ru

Leonid Razvozzhaev, Aide to State Duma Deputy Ilya Ponomaryov was abducted on Friday evening from outside the UNHCR in Kyiv. Ponomaryov writes in his blog that Leonid Razvozhaev had been in Kyiv legally since 17 October. He decided to seek political asylum after learning on Friday that he had been placed on the international wanted list.

As reported here, Razvozhaev was one of three people taken in for questioning on 17 October together with Lebedev and Sergei Udaltsov.   This came after broadcast of the second part of an anti-opposition programme – Anatomy of a Protest, Part 2 by the pro-Kremlin TV channel NTV.  The film alleges that the opposition figures were working with Georgia in an attempt to overthrow the government.

A criminal case has been initiated against Udaltsov and others. Konstantin Lebedev has been remanded in custody for at least two months. He is charged with plotting to organize mass riots and could face a 10-year prison sentence.

Razvozzhaev was understandably concerned and lodged an application with the UNHCR. After he left the building, staff heard cries for help. Since then nobody has seen him and he has not been in contact, Ponomaryov says.

The UNHCR had provided Razvozzhaev with a lawyer who has asked the Ukrainian Interior Ministry to look for him.  

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