The Moscow prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case against actor Alexei Panin, according to a Telegram channel cited by law enforcement sources.
Authorities indicate the case will be reviewed under Article 205.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers public justification of terrorism using information and telecommunication networks, including the Internet.
In February 2024, the Moscow regional court ordered Panin to be detained in absentia for two months from the date of extradition or detention within Russia. On May 29, Panin was added to the official lists of terrorists and extremists.
Speaking to socialbites.ca in June, Panin dismissed the accusations as nonsense and said he was not worried about being labeled an extremist or terrorist.
Earlier reports indicate that in October 2023 Panin and his daughter moved from Spain to the United States, taking up residence in San Francisco. The artist stated that he planned to stay in the country for an extended period, initially settling in San Francisco with a view to a possible move to Los Angeles later.
There have been prior statements suggesting Panin would not return to Russia, a point he has reiterated in various interviews.