Opponent of Putin Found Slain in Turkey: Activist Who Incited Antisemitic Riots Stabbed to Death

A prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abakar Abakarov, was found dead in a rented villa in Istanbul with multiple stab wounds, according to Turkish and Russian reports on Sunday. The 49-year-old Dagestani activist had been missing for over a week and was wanted by Russian authorities for allegedly organizing antisemitic and anti-government riots in his home region.

The grim discovery was reportedly made by a cleaner on Friday. Sources close to the activist indicated that Abakarov had been living under a false identity, fearing he was being pursued by Russian agents. Turkish authorities have launched a formal investigation into the murder, though they have yet to release an official statement.

Architect of Violent Riots

Abakarov was widely known as the operator behind the Telegram channel "Morning of Dagestan" ("Utro Dagestan"). This outlet was known for routinely publishing fiercely anti-Kremlin, Islamist, and antisemitic content.

The activist gained international notoriety in October 2023 when his channel urged Dagestani residents to mobilize and protest at Makhachkala Airport based on unconfirmed rumors that a flight carrying passengers from Israel had arrived. The protests quickly devolved into violent antisemitic riots, during which dozens of demonstrators clashed with police and actively sought to harm Israeli passengers. The unrest left at least 20 people injured, including nine law enforcement officers.

Russian authorities identified Abakarov as one of the key organizers behind the violence, alongside former Member of Parliament Ilya Pomaryov and Muslim preacher Israil Akhmedanyev. All three were subsequently charged with incitement and tried in absentia by Dagestan’s Supreme Court. By November 2023, Russia had placed Abakarov on its international wanted list.

Further reports from the independent Telegram outlet SOTA claimed the "Morning of Dagestan" channel was initially established by Pomaryov, who is now a Ukrainian citizen leading the "Freedom for Russia" Legion, a group fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Pomaryov has denied any recent connection to the channel, stating he had severed ties well before the riots took place. Telegram founder Pavel Durov ultimately shut down the channel following the violent airport unrest.

Growing Fear Among Exiled Russians

Abakarov’s killing has intensified anxieties among Russian political opponents and activists living abroad. His death follows another recent incident involving an enemy of the Kremlin. Just days before Abakarov was found, French authorities announced they had arrested suspects who were allegedly plotting to assassinate Vladimir Uschakin, a Russian human rights activist who fled persecution in his home country.

The investigation in Istanbul is ongoing as Turkish police attempt to piece together the circumstances of Abakarov’s murder.