Russian mathematician Mikhail Verbitskiy was detained at Zvartnots Airport in Armenia on Thursday. The IMPA expressed concern and requested his immediate release.
Mikhail Verbitskiy, a researcher at the Instituto de Matemática Pura e Aplicada since 2017, was arrested at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan last Thursday.
The IMPA, linked to the ministries of Science and Education, issued a statement expressing "deep concern and dismay". The institution formally requested Armenian authorities to release the scientist and allow his return to Brazil.
According to supporters, the detention relates to Russian accusations of terrorism and extremism dating back to 2024, which Verbitskiy denies. His name was added to a Kremlin list in 2025.
Armenian authorities have not yet provided details on the detention or any possible extradition.
