Yes, it’s true: Vladimir Ashurkov, executive director of the ACF (Anti-Corruption Foundation), one of the leaders of the Progress Party, and my longtime associate, has been placed on the federal wanted list.
For the very same “crime” for which Yankauskas is under house arrest. That is, for helping me raise money for my election campaign.
The Investigative Committee, under Mr. Bastrykin, is trying to prove that Ashurkov stole money from me—apparently from me—that you had sent for the election campaign, though I honestly don’t know how to explain to them that no one stole anything from me. What’s especially interesting is that they haven’t even questioned me in this case. It’s just absurd, even by the Investigative Committee’s standards.
It became clear to us right away, when this whole pre-election crackdown began, that they would try to isolate Ashurkov. Volodya had planned to run as one of the candidates, and I had no doubt about his chances of winning. Besides that, he plays an important role in fundraising both for the Foundation and for other candidates.
It was my view as well that he should leave as soon as possible for somewhere people aren’t arrested for no reason. It’s enough that I’m the one sitting under arrest.
It’s obvious that there can be no talk of any real elections anymore. In that sense, Sobyanin, Rakova, and everyone else who was so afraid of our candidates have achieved their goal. But at least Ashurkov is free.
Volodya is continuing to work on the Foundation’s affairs and on the Progress Party, focusing now on the areas that can be handled remotely—policy platform, and so on.
We send him our greetings and all our support. He’ll be like an old Bolshevik in exile.