“There is a system of fabricating charges, including drug charges,” said Cherkasov. Another 84 people are listed by Memorial as “probable victims“ of politically motivated charges. Igor RudnikovIgor Rudnikov, a former newspaper editor and opposition politician from Kaliningrad, is facing a 15-year prison sentence on controversial blackmail charges. Dmitriev, 62, was detained shortly after Memorial was accused by state television of helping “those who aim to destroy the Russian state”. His supporters say the charges are revenge for his investigations into Stalin-era executions in the region, including uncovering mass graves.

Source: The Guardian June 15, 2019 03:56 UTC