Russian actor Alexei Panin has been added to Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” by the state financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring. Panin, who has been living abroad since 2020, was placed in pre-trial detention in absentia by a Moscow court in February. He is known for his roles in films like “The Star” (2002) and “Dead Man’s Bluff” (2005). Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Panin moved to the United States. He was charged with “justifying terrorism” after celebrating a deadly bomb attack on the Crimea bridge in October 2022.
In addition to Panin, Rosfinmonitoring also added ex-presidential human rights council member Eva Merkacheva, as well as journalists Anna Loyko and Maria Menshikova, to its list of “terrorists and extremists.” Being included on this list allows Russian authorities to freeze the bank accounts of these individuals without a court order. This move comes as a part of Russia’s crackdown on dissenting voices and those who are seen as supporting or justifying acts of terrorism.
The decision to add Panin and others to the list of “terrorists and extremists” highlights the Russian government’s efforts to control the narrative and silence critics in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. By targeting individuals like Panin, Merkacheva, Loyko, and Menshikova, the authorities are sending a message that dissent will not be tolerated and that those who speak out against the government’s actions will face consequences. This move is part of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights in Russia.
Panin’s case is particularly notable due to his status as a well-known actor in Russia. His decision to live abroad and publicly criticize the Russian government’s actions likely made him a target for the authorities. By adding him to the list of “terrorists and extremists,” the government is attempting to discredit and silence a prominent figure who has spoken out against their policies. This move is likely meant to deter others from following in Panin’s footsteps and speaking out against the government’s actions.
The decision to freeze the bank accounts of Panin, Merkacheva, Loyko, and Menshikova without a court order raises concerns about the abuse of power by Russian authorities. By targeting individuals who are critical of the government and using tactics like freezing their financial assets, the government is further restricting their ability to operate and express dissent. This move is part of a broader trend of silencing critics and controlling the narrative in Russia, which has intensified in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.
Overall, the addition of Alexei Panin, Eva Merkacheva, Anna Loyko, and Maria Menshikova to Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” reflects a broader crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression in the country. By targeting individuals who have criticized the government’s actions, the authorities are sending a message that dissent will not be tolerated. This move represents a troubling escalation in the Russian government’s efforts to control the narrative and silence those who speak out against their policies.
