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A Shaman’s Tale - One Man’s Quest to Drive Out Putin

October 13, 2025

Alexander Gabyshev is a self-described modern shaman. He wants to drive what he sees as a "demon” out of the Kremlin. But Russian authorities have fought back.

A Shaman’s Tale - One Man’s Quest to Drive Out Putin
Image: Raina Films

In March 2019, Alexander Gabyshev set out on an 8,000-kilometer walk from Siberia to Moscow. His destination: the Kremlin.

Image: Raina Films

He planned to use traditional shamanic rites to drive out the "demon”: Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Image: Raina Films

But Alexander Gabyshev’s protest march quickly attracted attention, and he became too much for the authorities. He continued to protest despite several arrests, until finally, in January 2021, authorities stormed his house and took him away to a psychiatric hospital.

Image: Raina Films

An expert has classified him as mentally ill, but Amnesty International calls him a political prisoner. Lawyers are fighting to secure his release - so far without success.

 

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