Yekaterina Duntsova, the founder of the Rassvet political party, was detained by Tver police at an event aimed at supporting political prisoners, as confirmed by her party on Thursday evening. Duntsova attempted to run against President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming 2024 election but was barred by the Central Election Commission due to issues with her registration documents. Her detention occurred after an anonymous tip was received regarding the event, which focused on writing supportive letters to jailed political prisoners.

During the incident, Duntsova was taken to a local police station for questioning, while other attendees at the letter-signing event were not detained. The motivations behind her detention remain unclear, and it has been reported that she does not yet face any formal charges. This event highlights concerns over political repression in Russia, particularly regarding dissent against the current government and its handling of opposition figures.

In her political career, Duntsova has positioned herself as a pro-peace and pro-democracy advocate, drawing attention to the need for political reforms in Russia. However, her recent experiences may serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in opposing governmental authority in the current political climate. The implications of her detention could reverberate through the opposition community in Russia, potentially discouraging participation in political events and activism, particularly as the presidential election approaches.