Russia declares the “Congress of People’s Deputies” movement a terrorist organization
The Supreme Court of Russia has recognized the Polish-based movement “Congress of People’s Deputies” as a terrorist organization, fully granting the prosecution’s request.
The case was heard behind closed doors, without access for the press or the public.
The court ruling effectively bans all activities of the organization within Russia and opens the way for criminal prosecution of its members.
The movement, known as Kongres Deputowanych Ludowych (KDL), was established in 2022 in Poland as an association of Russian opposition figures. Its leader is former Russian State Duma deputy Ilya Ponomarev, who left Russia after the start of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In Russia, Ponomarev has been added to the “foreign agents” registry, a tool the authorities traditionally use to pressure dissenters.
As early as April 2023, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office declared KDL “undesirable on Russian territory”, making any cooperation with the organization a potential basis for administrative or criminal prosecution.
The recent designation of the movement as “terrorist” raises the severity of charges to the maximum level and gives security services broader powers for repression.
In February 2025, a criminal case was filed against Ponomarev under multiple serious charges. Russian investigators accused him of “violent seizure of power” as well as “creating and participating in a terrorist group”, effectively equating a political opposition movement with armed underground activity.
