What's happened
French authorities are investigating an alleged plot to target Vladimir Osechkin, founder of Gulagu.net, with four men detained. Osechkin, a Russian exile in France, has faced repeated threats linked to his work exposing abuses in Russian prisons. The investigation highlights concerns over Russian hybrid warfare targeting Europe.
What's behind the headline?
The investigation into Osechkin's alleged assassination plot underscores the broader context of Russian hybrid warfare in Europe. The detention of four men, possibly linked to Russian intelligence, indicates an escalation in efforts to silence dissidents. Osechkin's work has made him a target, and the French response reflects growing concerns over foreign interference. This case exemplifies how Russia's tactics extend beyond cyberattacks to physical threats against critics, aiming to destabilize Western democracies. The timing suggests a strategic move to intimidate activists and suppress information about Russian abuses, potentially impacting diplomatic relations and security policies in France and beyond.
What the papers say
The AP News and The Independent both report on the investigation, with AP emphasizing the role of the DGSI and the broader Russian campaign against European allies. The Independent highlights the specifics of the arrests and the ongoing threats Osechkin faces, including his exile in Biarritz and the suspected links to Russian intelligence. The Moscow Times adds context about the initial reports of a 'liquidation plot' and the investigation's origins, noting the arrest of French or Dagestani nationals. While all sources agree on the seriousness of the threat, AP provides a more detailed account of the security operations, whereas The Independent focuses on Osechkin's personal risk and activism. The Moscow Times offers background on the initial reports and the political implications of the case.
How we got here
Osechkin fled Russia due to pressure over his prison activism and sought asylum in France. His group, Gulagu.net, has published videos exposing torture and corruption in Russian prisons, and revealed Russia's military recruitment of prisoners for Ukraine. French authorities suspect Russia and its proxies are behind efforts to destabilize France through cyberattacks and targeted threats.
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Common question
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What’s the story behind the plot against Vladimir Osechkin?
French authorities are investigating a suspected plot to target Vladimir Osechkin, a Russian dissident and founder of Gulagu.net, living in France. This case raises questions about Russian espionage, hybrid warfare, and the risks faced by activists exposing abuses in Russia. Below, we explore the details of this investigation and what it means for European security.
More on these topics
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Gulagu.net (rus. Гулагу-нет, "No more GULAG!") is a Russian anti-corruption, anti-torture human rights organization and website. It was founded in 2011 by Russian human rights activist Vladimir Osechkin.Gulagu.net has published videos of beatings