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Pussy Riot member reveals she was coerced into spying for the FSB
Rita Flores, a former member of the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot, has revealed that she was coerced into working as an informant for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Flores, whose real name is Margarita Konovalova, stated that her recruitment began in February 2023 following a search of her Moscow apartment. She claims security agents threatened her with criminal prosecution and the murder of her relatives to force her cooperation.
Operating under the codename ‘Harley,’ Flores reported that her primary responsibilities involved gathering intelligence on contemporary artists and political activists. This included compiling dossiers on their habits, social circles, and personal vulnerabilities. She specifically noted that she was tasked with monitoring street artist Philipp Kozlov and fellow Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina.
Flores further alleged that the FSB attempted to involve her in a plot to kidnap and assassinate Pyotr Verzilov, a prominent activist and publisher. She claims she attempted to sabotage these assignments and eventually escaped Russia with the assistance of lawyer Dmitry Zahvatov. Flores disclosed these details during an interview on the PortVideo YouTube channel.
Entities
Dmitry Zahvatov · FSB · Pussy Riot · Pyotr Verzilov · Rita Flores
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Flores states the FSB used threats of prosecution and violence against her relatives to force cooperation. www.in.gr · nepszava.hu · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] Flores operated under the codename ‘Harley’. www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [● 4 SOURCES] Flores claims the FSB attempted to involve her in the kidnapping and murder of Pyotr Verzilov. www.in.gr · nepszava.hu · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] Her duties included gathering intelligence on contemporary artists and political activists. nepszava.hu · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [● 2 SOURCES] Flores escaped Russia with the help of lawyer Dmitry Zahvatov. www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Flores monitored street artist Philipp Kozlov (Philippenzo). www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [● 4 SOURCES] Rita Flores (Margarita Konovalova) claims she was recruited by the FSB in February 2023. www.in.gr · nepszava.hu · www.zougla.gr · index.hu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The FSB provided her with a monthly payment equivalent to approximately 186,000 Hungarian Forints. nepszava.hu