Media reports indicate that Russia has added former world champion Garry Kasparov to a state list of "terrorists and extremists."

The Russian organization called Rosfinmonitoring, which works to stop illegal money activities and terrorism funding, decided to put Garry Kasparov's name on their list of "terrorists and extremists." People on this list might have their bank accounts taken away.

According to Agence-France Presse, Rosfinmonitoring included Soviet-born Kasparov in its database without providing any explanation.

The Russian chess legend, known as the 13th world chess champion, is one of the strongest critics of the current Russian government and President Vladimir Putin. He famously called Putin "the world's most dangerous man."

He currently resides in the US. As a longstanding opponent of President Putin, he has repeatedly denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In February last year, he urged the West to maintain its support for Kyiv and emphasized that Ukraine's victory over Moscow was a prerequisite for a democratic transition in Russia.

In May 2022, Russia placed Kasparov on its roster of "foreign agents." A report by The Moscow Times at the time highlighted that the label, reminiscent of the Soviet-era "enemies of the people," was extensively employed against critics, journalists, and human rights activists accused of engaging in foreign-funded political activities.

Kasparov, who retired from professional chess in 2005 to pursue political and activist endeavours, participated actively in protests advocating for fair elections in Russia during 2012 and 2013. Subsequently, he departed the country and has remained in exile ever since, establishing the USA as his primary residence.

Garry Kasparov was born in Baku, the current capital of Azerbaijan, then part of the Soviet Union. He achieved the title of world champion at the age of just 22 in 1985, making him the youngest ever to claim the throne. He held the position of the world's number one chess player continuously from 1984 until his retirement.

Image source: Indian Express