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French police arrested four people on terrorism charges over an assassination attempt targeting Russian opposition activist Vladimir Osechkin in southern France. Osechkin, founder of Gulagu.net, said he is alive and thanked security services, posting a video filmed on a Biarritz beach where he has lived since 2015. Prosecutors have opened a formal investigation for participation in a terrorist group preparing crimes against an individual; the suspects, aged 26–38, remain in custody. The arrests come amid a counter‑espionage probe opened in September and broader French inquiries into alleged Russian destabilisation efforts, even as Osechkin’s work and reputation draw sharp dispute.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.