Prague, Czech Republic – Yevgeny Gerasimenko, a Russian national facing an international arrest warrant, was apprehended at Prague-Ruzyne International Airport on Sunday, following his arrival on a flight from Riga. The detainment has sparked a controversy as Gerasimenko’s associates claim his case is politically motivated, asserting that alleged financial crimes are merely a pretext for Russia’s attempt to repatriate him.

The Czech immigration police spokesman, Josef Urban, confirmed the arrest and revealed that Russia is seeking Gerasimenko’s extradition on charges of large-scale financial fraud. A Prague court will now determine whether he should be sent back to his homeland.

According to reports from Denik N, Gerasimenko was en route from Riga to Paris via Prague, where he was detained. Notably, he was not apprehended in Latvia, and it has been revealed that he is seeking political asylum in France. Gerasimenko contends that he faces persecution in Russia due to his anti-war stance and participation in various protests. While Russia attributes the arrest warrant to alleged economic crimes, Gerasimenko insists it is a consequence of his opposition to the war on Ukraine.

Critics, including Russian lawyer Vadim Prokhorov, question the validity of such arrest warrants issued by Russia, suggesting that they are often politically motivated to suppress dissent. Prokhorov, known for defending Russian opposition figures, deems the actions of the Czech police as “unacceptable.” He pointed out that Russia’s well-known political prisoner, Alexei Navalny, was similarly convicted on economic charges in trials that were widely criticized as lacking credibility.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of extradition requests from Russia, with Prokhorov expressing surprise at Western states responding to such requests for individuals accused of economic crimes. He argues that many individuals labeled as political prisoners in Russia are, in reality, detained on fabricated charges of economic offenses. As the legal proceedings unfold, Gerasimenko’s case is poised to become another focal point in the ongoing tension between Russia and critics of its legal system.

Article by Prague Forum