"I did not commit a crime, I am ready to cooperate with the investigation, I have nothing to do with the drugs," Golunov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. Golunov is accused of large-scale drug dealing and investigators had asked the court to remand him in custody for two months. Interfax news agency cited an unnamed paramedic as saying he had multiple chest abrasions, bruised ribs and suspected head injuries. The US embassy urged Russian authorities to free Golunov and ensure a transparent investigation, Interfax reported. Journalists critical of the government or other authorities have led a dangerous existence in Russia since the 1990s.

Source: bd News24 June 08, 2019 20:15 UTC