Former Russian lawmaker detained in absentia on rape charge

A Moscow court has ordered the detention in absentia of former Russian State Duma deputy Yuri Napso on a rape charge, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS, citing a law enforcement source.

The source said Napso is accused under Article 131, Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers rape involving the use of violence, threats of violence, or exploitation of a victim’s helpless condition.

Russian authorities have placed Napso on an international wanted list. His lawyer, Roman Barannikov, declined to comment on the case. An appellate court has upheld the decision of Moscow’s Basmanny District Court to authorise his arrest in absentia.

The development follows Napso’s removal from parliament earlier this year. In April, the State Duma voted unanimously to terminate his mandate ahead of schedule, citing his failure to personally attend parliamentary sessions for more than 30 days without a valid justification. His parliamentary powers were officially terminated on April 3, 2025.

According to the State Duma’s Committee on Rules and Support for the Duma’s Activities, Napso had been periodically on sick leave since April 2023 and was absent from work during intervals between those leave periods.

By Sabina Mammadli