The Russian authorities detained the scientist and doctor Alexei Dudarev, who was accused of treason in connection with a scientific article published in an international journal. According to the authorities, the information from this article could have been used by the Norwegian intelligence services. Dudarev, who works at the Northwest Scientific Center of Rospotrebnadzor in St. Petersburg, denies the accusations. The case attracted the attention of human rights organizations, which warn of a possible violation of his rights.
The scientist was detained on January 14, when he was on his way to work. His arrest was followed by a house search and he was then placed in pre-trial detention for two months. Dudarev specializes in research on the health of non-Russian ethnic minorities living in the Russian Far North. According to his family, he never had access to classified information and his scientific activity was always transparent.
A dispute over a scientific article
The key point of the allegation is an article published in a journal published by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP). This program is part of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental body of which Russia is also a member. The article allegedly contained information that could be misused for intelligence purposes. However, Dudarev’s son emphasizes that his father devoted himself exclusively to medical research and participated in international conferences, where he openly presented his findings.
The activity of the Arctic Council was suspended after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Seven other member states, including Norway, decided to suspend cooperation with Russia. According to experts, this context could have contributed to the increased sensitivity of the Russian authorities to any international activities of its citizens.
Criticism and questions
Human rights organizations, such as the First Department project, point out the ambiguities in the case and the possible abuse of the charge of treason. According to them, this is another example of growing pressure on scientists and academics in Russia who cooperate with foreign institutions. The family of Alexei Dudarev expressed concern for his health and a fair trial, stressing that his work has always been in accordance with scientific and ethical standards.
The case of Dudarev points to the tense relations between Russia and Western countries, which have deepened even more since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. It is not yet clear what evidence the Russian authorities will present to support their claims, but the international scientific community has already expressed concern about the possible implications of the case for research freedom.
