A 76-year-old opposition activist charged with breaking Russian protest laws has fled to Ukraine and plans to seek political asylum in the country, independent Grani.ru news portal reported Monday.
Vladimir Ionov crossed the border into Ukraine “illegally” over the weekend, despite having no passport to travel abroad, the report said.
He made the decision out of love, Ionov said.
?€?When I was alone, I didn't care,?€? he said, Grani.ru reported. ?€?Now I am not alone – I'm with a woman I love, and her constitution is a lot more delicate than mine. For my love and care for her, I've made this decision.?€?
Ionov was hospitalized earlier this month with heart problems, after a younger man received a lengthy prison sentence on the same charge, and police crudely dispersed his supporters at the courthouse, news reports said.
Ionov was badly affected by the three-year prison sentence handed down to Ildar Dadin earlier this month — despite the prosecution calling for a two-year sentence ?€” the older activist's friends and lawyers were quoted by Russia's independent media as saying.
?€?I don't think I've left forever,?€? Ionov was quoted on Monday as saying by Grani.ru. ?€?My home is in Russia and I think very big changes will be happening here soon. Praying to God that those changes happen without any bloodshed.?€?
Opposition-minded figures have made predictions recently of political protests brewing up in Russia. Exiled former Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky has said the country was heading toward a ?€?revolution,?€? and as well expressed hope the turmoil would avoid any bloodshed.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.