Kasparov opts not to return to Russia

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov said Thursday he was not going back to Russia any time soon.

"I have serious doubts that if I come back to Russia, I'll be able to leave it again. So I'd abstain from returning to Russia," Kasparov told reporters in Geneva where he was to receive an award, reports Xinhua.

The 13th world champion cited his fears to be prosecuted as one of the leading member of an opposition group.

Russian Investigative Committee this year invited Kasparov for questioning several times during the investigation of the so-called Bolotnaya Case over the violent anti-government rally last May. Kasparov has ignored these subpoenas.

Kasparov also published his statement made Thursday to his personal website.

A Moscow court started hearings of the Bolotnaya Case Thursday. Twelve opposition activists have been detained on allegations of attacking police during the march in downtown Moscow.