Serbian authorities have denied Russian anti-war activist Vladimir Volokhonsky an extension of his temporary residence permit, less than two weeks after temporarily denying entry to Peter Nikiti.

These two Russian citizens founded the non-governmental organization Russian Democratic Society.

The Russian Democratic Society, an association of Russian immigrants that has been joined by tens of thousands of people since Russia invaded Ukraine, said Volokhonsky, who arrived from St. Petersburg in May last year and was granted a temporary residence permit, was informed of the decision on July 25.

Volokhonski told Radio Free Europe that the decision not to extend his residence permit is a “form of political pressure”.

“Since my activities, like all activities of the Russian Democratic Society, are completely public and legal, I see no reason to consider myself a threat to state security in any way,” he said.