Russian dissident Garry Kasparov says US warned him of danger to his life

Garry Kasparov, a prominent exiled Russian opposition figure and former chess world champion, revealed that he was warned by American and Lithuanian security services about a threat to his life. This warning comes in the wake of an indictment unsealed by the US Justice Department, which charged five individuals allegedly linked to the Kremlin with plotting attacks against Russian dissidents and defectors.

Kasparov, who retired from competitive chess in 2005 to engage in political opposition movements in Russia, stated that he was one of two dissidents advised to take precautions for their safety. His remarks were made in his publication, The Next Move. Although he was not explicitly informed that he and fellow Free Russia Forum co-founder Ivan Tyutrin were considered targets, both received warnings regarding their safety.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that Kasparov and another Russian opposition figure, Ilya Ponomarev, were alerted to the potential plot by US authorities over the summer. According to sources close to Kasparov, he has been placed under enhanced protection for the first time since relocating to the US.