risk of arbitrary arrest
USA calls on its citizens to leave Russia
02/13/2023, 09:58 am
The United States advises against traveling to Russia, the responsible embassy in Moscow goes one step further: US citizens should leave the country immediately. The background is said to be arbitrary arrests by Russian authorities.
The US calls on its citizens to leave Russia immediately. There is a risk of arbitrary arrest or harassment by Russian law enforcement agencies, the US Embassy in Moscow said. “US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately. Increased caution is advised due to the risk of unlawful detention. Do not travel to Russia.”
Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, harassed them, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without providing credible evidence, the US embassy said. “Russian authorities are arbitrarily enforcing local laws against US religious workers and have launched questionable criminal investigations against US citizens,” it said.
In January, Russia announced investigations into a US citizen on suspicion of espionage. The suspect’s name or details were not released. “The American is suspected of collecting secret information on biological topics,” said the Russian secret service FSB. This has endangered the security of the Russian Federation.
The US has previously urged its citizens to leave Russia. The last time it happened was in September after President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilization. At the time, the embassy said it had limited ability to help Americans in Russia.
