In brief: Exiled Russian opposition figure Garry Kasparov canceled his appearance at Berlin Freedom Week after security experts warned of a possible Russian assassination plot. The former chess champion, previously alerted by US and Lithuanian authorities, criticized European officials for failing to counter Kremlin threats.
The former world chess champion and exiled Russian opposition figure Garry Kasparov has canceled a planned trip to attend a human rights event in Berlin after security services warned of an increased threat against him, according to a Tuesday report from BILD.
This follows warnings in early October from US and Lithuanian security services that he and another dissident, Vilnius-based Ivan Tyutrin, were the possible targets for a Russian instigated assassination attempt.
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Kasparov, who lives in the US, said that he was warned to take precautionary measures, and will continue to do so in the future.
Tyutrin is said to have told AFP that the Lithuanian authorities had warned him to leave urgently and get rid of his car.
The allegations followed US investigations into five individuals linked to the Kremlin who were charged with preparing attacks and murders aimed at Russian dissidents and defectors in the US and other countries.
Kasparov cancelled his planned trip to Berlin this week after receiving further warnings of a potential threat to his life. He was scheduled to speak at the Berlin Freedom Week event, but instead, sent a video message.
“You may have seen reports that Russia is trying to kill me. Security experts strongly advised me not to go to Berlin, as it would be an unjustified risk at this time,” he said.
Kasparov went on to criticize European security and law enforcement authorities for not doing enough to counter the Kremlin, adding: “You must acknowledge the fact that you have allowed Europe to become Vladimir Putin’s playground. If he can reach me here, he can reach anyone. Your spouses and children, your colleagues.”
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Berlin Freedom Week is being held in the German capital from Nov. 7-14. Billed as a new initiative to celebrate freedom and democracy in the city where the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall stood, recognizing it as a global symbol of people’s resistance to oppression and a triumph of democracy.
The program includes approximately 170 events dedicated to democracy, human rights, and political persecution.
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