Russian dissidents are being pursued globally by the Kremlin, facing silent repression far from the spotlight, according to Lilia Iapparova, a journalist from the independent Russian outlet Meduza.
Targeting Russian Exiles
Iapparova, currently in exile in Riga, Latvia, warns that Moscow is targeting Russian exiles around the world, with little to no resistance from the countries where these dissidents have sought refuge, according to Hotnews.
The threat to these exiles is both alarming and widespread, with Iapparova sharing stories of journalists, activists, and everyday citizens who have fled Russia, only to be hunted down or harassed abroad.
Iapparova’s chilling account begins with a personal warning she received in November 2022 to avoid ordering food.
A month later, her colleague Elena Kostiucenko was allegedly poisoned in Germany, a possible assassination attempt by Russian operatives. This is just one of many cases pointing to the Kremlin’s global campaign against its critics.
Face Surveillance and Intimidation
She details how this pattern of targeting Russian dissidents has escalated. In one instance, Russian deserter Maxim Kuzminov was found shot dead in Spain. In another, an investigative journalist was harassed in the Czech Republic.
There are hundreds of similar stories, where exiles face surveillance, intimidation, and even death.
The terrifying reach of Russian repression is not limited to high-profile figures. Iapparova describes ordinary Russians—activists, teachers, and even business owners — who fled to avoid association with President Putin’s war in Ukraine but are still hunted by Russian authorities.
Host countries are either slow to respond or, in some cases, actively aid Russian surveillance. In Kazakhstan, local authorities have arrested anti-war activists at Moscow’s request. In Kyrgyzstan, facial recognition technology is being used to track individuals wanted by Russia.
