In a move that highlights Russia’s growing intolerance towards dissenting voices, former speechwriter for President Vladimir Putin, Abbas Gallyamov, has been put on a wanted list of criminal suspects over his comments on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Gallyamov’s prediction of a possible uprising in Russia and critical remarks about Putin’s regime have seemingly irked the authorities, leading to this latest crackdown.
This action comes after Gallyamov was added to the Justice Ministry’s register of foreign agents, a move that carries strong negative connotations aimed at discrediting his credibility. Gallyamov now faces charges of discrediting the army, a crime under Russia’s new law, which was adopted after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
The move against Gallyamov underscores the intensifying pressure on those who dare to speak out against the Russian regime. It is yet another example of how freedom of speech and the right to dissent are under threat in today’s Russia. The international community must keep a close eye on the situation and take action to ensure that such crackdowns do not go unchecked.
Aljazeera