A Russian-Israeli historian, Artyom Kirpichenok, has been indicted in Israel on multiple counts of espionage, Russian media reported. Kirpichenok was taken into custody by the Israel Security Agency on August 2 upon arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport from Russia and is reportedly being held in the maximum security wing of Ayalon Prison.
Kirpichenok faces charges that include contact with foreign intelligence operatives. Prosecutors allege that foreign intelligence agencies instructed him to conduct clandestine missions and influence operations against the State of Israel. A request has been filed for his detention until the end of proceedings.
The historian, whose academic work focuses on Zionism and Middle Eastern history, has previously been critical of Israel's policies toward Palestinians and its stance on Iran. His published works include titles such as 'A People's History of Israel' and 'Israel: The Road to Catastrophe.'
Kirpichenok, 51, was born in St. Petersburg and immigrated to Israel in the 1990s, residing there for approximately 15 years before returning to Russia permanently. The case is subject to a strict Israeli gag order, limiting the details permitted for publication. Family and supporters of Kirpichenok maintain his innocence.