Russian police accused of framing journalist

Supporters of the Meduza news project journalist Ivan Golunov hold a placard ‘Freedom for Ivan Golunov’ in front of the Nikulinsky District Court.  Ivan Golunov was arrested on 06 June on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Moscow police now say they found more than five grams of cocaine when searching Golunov’s home.

Russian police are being accused of framing a well-known investigative journalist after he was arrested on drug charges.

Authorities say they found illegal substances, first in a rucksack being carried by Ivan Golunov and later in his Moscow apartment.

Golunov’s lawyer said he became ill at a Moscow police station, but doctors were not allowed in for some time. Russian officials have made no public comments.

The 36-year-old reporter for the Latvia-based news site Meduza was held by police on Thursday.

His lawyer says drugs were planted on him, but the authorities deny this.

Meduza says he is being “being persecuted because of his journalistic activity”.

Golunov is well known for his investigative reports for the Meduza news website into corruption among Moscow officials.

Golunov appeared handcuffed in a video clip posted to social media on Friday night. He said he was involved in “scuffles” with police, showing bruises.

https://twitter.com/BreakingMash/status/1137042993343545344

He has repeatedly exposed corruption among Moscow’s high-profile businesspeople and its political elite, as well as fraudulent financial schemes in the city.

Supporters protesting against the arrest were also detained. Drugs convictions can carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

Via Euronews