The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has declared a federal search for Ilya Azar, a special correspondent for *Novaya Gazeta Europe* and former municipal deputy. The journalist himself informed the publication *Novaya-Evropa* about this fact.
The search is most likely related to a criminal case against activists of the *Deputies of Peaceful Russia* movement. As of now, Azar's profile is not listed in the Interior Ministry's search database.
In April 2024, law enforcement conducted searches at the homes of relatives of former municipal deputies—Ilya Azar, Sergei Vlasov, Igor Glek, and Elena Rusakova. A criminal case has been opened against them under an article concerning the organization of activities of an "undesirable" entity—the *Deputies of Peaceful Russia* movement.
As stated by the Moscow Investigative Committee, according to the investigation, the four suspects published two articles online with the aim of "recruiting new members" for this organization.
In August 2024, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office designated the *Deputies of Peaceful Russia* association as an "undesirable" organization, accusing it of supporting "extremists" and spreading "false information about the work of Russian state bodies."
In February 2024, the Ministry of Justice added Ilya Azar to the list of "foreign agents." According to the ministry, the *Novaya-Evropa* journalist disseminates "inaccurate data" about Russia's policies and publishes materials that "create a negative image" of the Russian army. Additionally, he opposes the special military operation and collaborates with "undesirable organizations."