(CJES/IFEX) – On 18 September 2006, Ekaterina Archikova, correspondent for the Moscow-based informational radio station City FM, was beaten in the “Luzhniki” market as she was investigating a fire then in progress. “The editorial office was informed that there was a fire in market, so I went to prepare a report,” Archikova told CJES. “I […]
(CJES/IFEX) – On 18 September 2006, Ekaterina Archikova, correspondent for the Moscow-based informational radio station City FM, was beaten in the “Luzhniki” market as she was investigating a fire then in progress.
“The editorial office was informed that there was a fire in market, so I went to prepare a report,” Archikova told CJES. “I had time to talk to vendors in the market, and they informed me that new pavilions were burning. But as soon as I tried to approach the area of the fire, I was stopped by staff of the private security agency ‘Guarantor’ and was told to leave the market.”
The journalist refused, insisting on meeting with firemen or members of the market administration. One of the security guards seized her by the hand and dragged her to the exit.
The journalist explained to CJES that at first she tried to resist and asked the security guards who tried to expel her to tell her their names, but without success.
“One of them pushed my back so forcefully that I fell against a shop display window. In falling, I knocked over mannequins on display. Then a security guard seized my hand and roughly pulled me up and dragged me to the exit. I did not know how it would end, but thankfully nearby vendors and shoppers interceded to help me,” said the journalist.
In a medical clinic, the journalist was diagnosed with a serious bruise and numerous grazes. Archikova has filed a complaint with the 135th police station of the Hamovniki area of Moscow.
Police officials have assured the journalist that the guilty security guards will be identified and taken to the court.
