Chess Legend Kasparov Termed “Terrorist & Extremist” by Russia

Chess legend Garry Kasparov, who is long-time critic of President Vladimir Putin was added to the list of “terrorists and extremists” by Russia’s financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring on Wednesday.

The 60-year-old former world chess champion has repeatedly voiced against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Rosfinmonitoring watchdog of Russia is responsible for combatting money laundering and terror financing. The persons and organizations listed by it can have their bank accounts seized.

Rosfinmonitoring did not declare why it included the Soviet-born Chess player Kasparov on the list.

Kasparov joked about the label on X and said, “An honour that says more about Putin’s fascist regime than about me,” he wrote.

An honor that says more about Putin's fascist regime than about me. As Goldwater said, extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue! But all opposition, or simple decency, must be called an extremist by the dictatorship. https://t.co/OuN27A9InN

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) March 6, 2024

Kasparov has lived in the United States for over a decade. He is against Putin’s rule and policies. In February 2023, he said, Ukraine had to defeat Moscow as a “pre-condition” for a democratic transition in Russia.