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Russian dissident Garry Kasparov cancels Berlin trip over assassination threat, saying officials have let Putin turn Europe into a playground
Russian opposition figure and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov cancelled his planned appearance at Berlin Freedom Week after security services warned that travelling could put his life at risk. In a recorded address, he said he had been advised against the trip and criticised European authorities, arguing that their response had allowed Vladimir Putin to make Europe a “playground”.
Kasparov referred to reports that Russia was trying to kill him and warned that if Putin could reach him in Europe, he could reach anyone. In late September, El Mundo reported that Russian authorities had spent months planning to kill him in the United States; US authorities also said they had uncovered a five-person group preparing attacks on Russian dissidents on Moscow’s orders. Berlin Freedom Week runs from 7 to 14 November and includes about 170 events.
In short
- Kasparov cancelled his Berlin trip after a security warning.
- He said the journey posed an unjustifiable risk.
- He accused European leaders of failing to deter Putin.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Kasparov’s warning is that threats against dissidents in Europe undermine the safety of everyone who speaks against the Kremlin, and that authorities must respond firmly enough to deter foreign-directed violence. His cancellation and criticism can be seen as a call for stronger protection and accountability, especially given reports of alleged Russian plots against dissidents.
The case against
Officials may argue that advising Kasparov not to travel was a prudent response to a specific, serious threat, rather than evidence that Europe is a “playground” for Putin. Security services must weigh the danger of an attack against what protection can realistically achieve, and public claims about responsibility or official shortcomings should be assessed carefully while investigations continue.