Russian Supreme Court Labels Anti-War Committee as Terrorist Organization - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
March 2, 2026
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Russia’s Supreme Court has designated the Russian Anti-War Committee as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissent. The committee, founded in 2022 by prominent opposition figures such as former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and chess champion Garry Kasparov, aimed to support anti-war Russians and promote solidarity among those opposing the war in Ukraine. However, the court accused the group of “promoting, justifying, and supporting terrorism,” claiming its activities are directed by Khodorkovsky, who has been in exile since 2015.
This move follows a November ruling by a military court that sentenced exiled Anti-War Committee member Leonid Gozman to 10 years in prison in absentia for “justifying terrorism.” Earlier this year, the group was labeled an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing its activities and putting members at risk of imprisonment. In October, the FSB security service also filed terrorism charges against 23 members of the committee.
The decision to label the Anti-War Committee as a terrorist organization underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices. This comes amid broader efforts to control independent journalism, with The Moscow Times itself being designated an “undesirable” organization earlier this year. These actions highlight the increasing challenges faced by critics of the Russian government, both domestically and internationally.
The case of the Anti-War Committee raises concerns about the suppression of free expression and the growing chill on dissent in Russia. As independent voices are criminalized, the international community is increasingly vocal in condemning these measures, emphasizing their impact on human rights and press freedom. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by those advocating for peace and accountability in conflict zones like
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 3/2/2026