Report: Russian-Israeli historian charged with espionage

A Russian-Israeli historian, Artyom Kirpichenok, was indicted in Israel on September 4 on multiple espionage charges after being arrested at Ben Gurion Airport on August 2. Kirpichenok, 51, who immigrated to Israel in the 1990s before returning to Russia, is accused of contact with foreign intelligence operatives and conducting clandestine missions against Israel. He has reportedly visited Iran several times, including a two-week trip in late 2018, and is known for his critical views on Israeli policies. His lawyer, Inna Lebedinskaya-Katz, stated, "Artem is charged with espionage under several articles that cannot be disclosed yet. These are the most serious crimes against state security." The case is currently under a strict gag order in Israel.