The Basmanny District Court of Moscow issued a preventive measure in absentia against actor Artur Smolyaninov, described by Russian authorities as a person listed in the foreign agents registry and noted on the country’s terrorist and extremist lists. The court’s order was reported through the Telegram channel of Moscow’s general jurisdiction courts, illustrating how judicial updates reach the public in real time.
The court accepted the investigator’s request and set the preventive measure for a two‑month period, counted from Smolyaninov’s extradition to Russia or from the moment he was detained on Russian soil, whichever occurs first. This clarifies the procedural basis and the duration of the measure while the case proceeds.
Smolyaninov faces charges of inciting hatred or hostility, insulting human dignity, and deliberately disseminating false information to the public regarding the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The allegations reflect concerns over statements that authorities say could undermine public order or the standing of state institutions.
On January 13, 2023, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation added Smolyaninov to the register of foreign agents. In May of that year his name appeared on the list of terrorists and extremists, a designation with far‑reaching implications for his rights and public activities.
On January 25, 2024, a video circulated online in which Smolyaninov stated his readiness to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. In a meeting with pranksters Vovan (Vladimir Kuznetsov) and Lexus (Aleksey Stolyarov), who claimed to be representing the Ukrainian president Andriy Ermak, he announced his desire to become a Ukrainian citizen.
Earlier media reporting referenced debts and related financial matters connected to Smolyaninov in Russia, contributing to the broader public and political scrutiny surrounding the actor.