(CJES/IFEX) – “Novaya Gazeta” reported on February 8, 2007 that Vladimir Chugunov, a journalist with the paper, was arrested on January 21 and detained for several days. Chugunov also publishes and writes for the newspaper “Chugunka”, a publication based in the Solnechnogorsk district of the Moscow region, where he lives. Chugunov’s brother told “Novaya Gazeta” […]
(CJES/IFEX) – “Novaya Gazeta” reported on February 8, 2007 that Vladimir Chugunov, a journalist with the paper, was arrested on January 21 and detained for several days. Chugunov also publishes and writes for the newspaper “Chugunka”, a publication based in the Solnechnogorsk district of the Moscow region, where he lives. Chugunov’s brother told “Novaya Gazeta” that the journalist’s house had been searched without a warrant and that law enforcement agents had confiscated manuscripts and a batch of copies of “Chugunka”.
Two days after the arrest, the journalist’s relatives were informed that he had been detained on suspicion of activities punishable under Article 30 of the Criminal Code (plotting criminal activity, attempted criminal activity) and under Article 158 (theft). The journalist’s detention is being extended every three days. His relatives have been told he needs to hire a lawyer. Chugunov’s colleagues from “Novaya Gazeta” describe him as a good person and do not believe him to be guilty of the crimes with which he has been charged.
In December 2002, Chugunov won the Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought. The prize, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, honours individuals or organizations who dedicate their lives to the defence of human rights and freedoms.
