Russia has arrested legendary former chess champion Garry Kasparov in absentia, accusing him of terrorism and being an agent of foreign interests.

According to the court in Syktyvkar, the largest city in Russia’s northwestern Komi region, the legendary chess champion was arrested in absentia, along with former Russian parliament member Gennady Gudkov, co-founder of the Free Russia Forum Ivan Tyutrin – the forum has been designated as an undesirable organisation in the country – and former environmental activist Yevgenia Chirikova.

In absentia is definitely the best way I’ve ever been arrested! Good company, as well. I’m sure we’re all equally honored that Putin’s terror state is spending time on this that would otherwise go persecuting and murdering. https://t.co/uYlSwI9ss7

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 24, 2024

The four are accused of founding and leading a terrorist company, financing terrorist activity and publicly justifying it, the court said, TASS reported.

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“The court accepted the requests of the investigative bodies for the pre-trial detention of Kasparov, Gudkov, Chirikova and Tyutrin as a measure of restraint.”

Kasparov responded to the court’s bizarre arrest statement in a scathing post on April 24. “Arrest in absentia is definitely the best way I have ever been arrested,” he said, adding: “Good company, too. I’m sure we’re all equally honoured that Putin’s terror state is spending time on what would otherwise go into prosecutions and murders.”