Kasparov leaves jail, warns of Russia dictatorship

 

Opposition leader Garry Kasparov (R) speaks to journalists in front of his house after his release from jail in Moscow November 29, 2007. Former world chess champion Kasparov said on Thursday Russia risked becoming a dictatorship as he left jail after a five-day sentence for organising an illegal opposition protest.

Reuters | Nov 29, 2007

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov said on Thursday Russia risked becoming a dictatorship, as he left jail after serving a five-day sentence for organizing an illegal opposition protest.

Police arrested Kasparov last weekend after he tried to protest outside the central election commission headquarters over Sunday’s parliamentary election, which opponents of President Vladimir Putin say is skewed in his favor.

Speaking to reporters outside his home after he was released, Kasparov said his trial was a “kangaroo court”.

He added: “I hope people around the world can see what happens to opposition activists in Russia … This regime is entering a dangerous phase of becoming a dictatorship.”

Russian officials say Kasparov and his supporters are dangerous radicals with only marginal support who are trying to undermine Russia’s political stability.