Former State Duma deputy Napso denies rape charges

Former LDPR State Duma deputy Yuri Napso has denied all allegations of rape. In an interview with Izvestia on September 26, he stated that the information about the search and the case was allegedly a "fake stuffing."

"There is a real harassment against me. <...> I am not on any international wanted list, the investigation has not contacted me. I found out about this story from the media," Napso said.

He suggested that the charges may be related to his political activities. The ex-MP also denied the details of the charges, specifying that he "did not have a 19-year-old assistant, there was a 21-year-old one," and that they maintain "good relations."

At the same time, according to the Izvestia source, a criminal case against Napso under the article on rape (Part 1 of Article 131 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) was initiated on September 24.

In April, the State Duma adopted a resolution prematurely terminating the Napso's powers. The reason for this decision was the conclusion of the Commission on parliamentary ethics, which found that the Napso does not perform its duties for 30 days or more, and also does not attend meetings.

It was also established that since April 2023, Napso often took sick leave, and in between simply did not come to work. In general, the parliamentarian has not been to the State Duma for about two years, and for more than 200 days — without a valid reason.

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