One of Russia’s prominent political analysts, Ekaterina Schulmann, has been placed under arrest in absentia by a court in Moscow. This incident once again drew public attention to the political climate in the country, particularly surrounding the issue of “foreign agents.”
According to reports, Ekaterina Schulmann was found guilty of failing to comply with legal and administrative obligations assigned by the state to individuals labeled as “foreign agents.” The Meshchansky Court ruled that she must be detained upon her return to Russia, after which a two-month detention period will begin.
The ruling was announced by the press service of Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction. It is noted that Schulmann is currently outside the territory of the Russian Federation. In April 2022, she departed for Germany on a scholarship from the Robert Bosch Foundation. She stated that political reasons forced her to leave. The Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” after her departure.
Until now, Russia's justice authorities had not officially disclosed that a criminal case had been initiated against Schulmann. It was only in March 2024 that a search card appeared in the Ministry of Internal Affairs database, but it was deleted shortly thereafter.
Ekaterina Schulmann is recognized as a respected expert in Russia’s socio-political landscape. She has previously taught at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. She also served as a member of the Presidential Council for Human Rights.
In an interview with the German publication Die Zeit in May 2022, Schulmann openly stated that the “foreign agent” label effectively deprives her of the ability to return to Russia and work as an academic.
This case has reignited debate about the pressure on opposition and independent thinkers in Russia, particularly through the use of the “foreign agents” law. These developments in the political sphere reflect a growing restriction on freedom of expression in Russian society.
The decision to arrest Schulmann in absentia is also being closely monitored by the international community, human rights organizations, and independent media. It highlights the need for deeper analysis of how specialists engaged in independent and critical analysis are treated within the country.
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