Former Yabloko Candidate Leaves Russia Over Safety Fears
Ilya Kostyukov, a former single-mandate candidate for the State Duma from Yabloko, stated he left Russia on September 10 due to threats to his safety, citing warnings about being targeted by 'BARS-Belgorod' using Ukrainian drones and direct threats to kill him if he did not withdraw from the election.
Consensus
- Ilya Kostyukov is a 23-year-old human rights defender and former single-mandate candidate for the Russian State Duma from the Yabloko party.
- Kostyukov stated he left Russia on September 10.
- He is currently in Georgia.
- He cited fears for his safety as the reason for leaving.
- He received threats before the election due to criticism of the acting governor of Belgorod Oblast, Alexander Shuvalov.
- He received two types of threats: one involving a potential drone attack by 'BARS-Belgorod', and another with direct verbal threats to kill him if he did not drop out of the race.
- He carried a pepper spray during the campaign due to safety concerns.
- Kostyukov shared these details in a video on his YouTube channel.
Coverage (2 sources)
- Former 'Yabloko' State Duma candidate Ilya Kostyukov said he left Russia due to safety concerns — Радио Свобода
- Former 'Yabloko' State Duma candidate Ilya Kostyukov reported that he left Russia due to safety concerns — Настоящее Время