Udaltsov’s arrest: Staged or “long overdue”?

Left-wing radical Sergei Udaltsov, who collaborates with the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (his wife is a Communist member of the Duma), reported this morning on his blog that police had searched his home. It was later revealed that a case has been opened against the politician for justifying terrorism. The precise circumstances of Udaltsov's statements remain unclear. His supporters, however, believe he was targeted for criticizing the Defense Ministry's conduct of the Special Military Operations, demanding Vladimir Putin's resignation, and supporting former Donbas militia commander Igor Strelkov. One way or another, this could be Udaltsov's second prison term; he previously served time in the Bolotnaya Square case.

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) currently finds itself in a difficult position. On the one hand, Udaltsov openly criticized the party's leadership for abandoning the upcoming presidential election and nominating the already unwinnable Nikolai Kharitonov. On the other hand, if the CPRF decides to distance itself from the radical, it could be seen as a betrayal by some voters.

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“The interrogation and possible case against Udaltsov were predictable. Lately, he has been very openly lashing out... Harsh statements and comments were already beyond the bounds of what was acceptable for the existing system. With the background of an “importer of revolution,” such behavior is stupid and dangerous,” explains political scientist Alexey Chesnakov.

But the competitor of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation on the left flank, former TV presenter Maxim Shevchenko, generally hints at a staging of accusations against Udaltsov - the silence of his wife, a deputy, is cited as evidence.

“A State Duma deputy can demand a meeting with ANY detainee (at his request or consent) at any time, visit him in pre-trial detention centers and FSIN institutions, demand that state security and justice authorities comply with procedural norms, and so on.

So far (as of 12.20 January 11.01.2024, XNUMX) not a sound from Anastasia Olegovna Udaltsova.

But Sergei Udaltsov’s apartment is, in theory, also the apartment of his wife, State Duma deputy Anastasia Udaltsova, which is impossible to search just like that, without a special order from the prosecutor’s office...

I think that the second option (besides the imaginary “loss of the roof”) can also be considered workable – this arrest will increase public attention to the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, which has decreased to zero, and add micro-intrigue to the election action.

They say, repression against the left forces is lawlessness, let’s close ranks and boldly, comrades, in step, under the banner of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation...” Shevchenko wrote.