Posted 16 октября 2020,, 07:51

Published 16 октября 2020,, 07:51

Modified 24 декабря 2022,, 22:36

Updated 24 декабря 2022,, 22:36

Khabarovsk journalist told about his abduction by the "masked men"

Khabarovsk journalist told about his abduction by the "masked men"

16 октября 2020, 07:51
Фото: RusNews
The RusNews journalist who covered the actions in support of the former governor of the Khabarovsk Territory Sergey Furgal in Khabarovsk, and the author of the blog "Sergey News" Sergey Plotnikov (pictured) said that unknown persons wearing masks had kidnapped him.

According to him, he was taken to the forest, where he was tortured and threatened with murder if he will refuse to cooperate.

Plotnikov told the BBC Russian Service that at about 9:30 pm local time on October 15, seven men wearing green balaclava-type masks grabbed him near his house and dragged him onto a Toyota Hiace bus.

"My first impression is that these gray caps are closer to brown ones. These are the ones that were when Furgal was detained", - the blogger said.

At the time of the abduction, Plotnikov spoke on the phone with the editorial office and managed to report that he was being beaten, after which the connection with him was cut off.

"Argumenty nedeli" clarifies that the Khabarovsk resident's phone was turned off for four hours. He was able to get in touch at about 1 am and reported his coordinates. At that time, Plotnikov's wife had already written a statement to the police about the kidnapping.

- I tried to explain that the journalist and remain impartial, but this did not convince the kidnappers. I was taken to the forest, - the journalist told about the incident.

He clarified that he was not only beaten, but also shot in the legs with a pistol, demanding confessions. After the kidnappers made sure that Plotnikov was not aware of the protesters' plans, he was left in the forest and left.

- I believe that it is unacceptable to use force to influence those who cover socially significant events. This applies to both journalists and bloggers, who, at least, are protected by the law on the media, - commented on the situation the publisher, head of the KhRO of the "Fair Russia" party, Igor Glukhov.

I myself have a direct relationship with the media and do not want my employees to be kidnapped, beaten or tortured. The A Just Russia party takes control of the situation, and we are ready to provide all the necessary legal assistance and support to Sergei Plotnikov and his family members. I repeat once again, beating up journalists is unacceptable!

The situation in Khabarovsk was again in the focus of attention after an OMON detachment was invited to disperse the protesters on Saturday 10 October. As a result, dozens of people were detained, and two of the protesters were taken to intensive care.

The protests in support of the ex-head of the region have been going on for almost 100 days.

"