One year after arrest of Russian journalist Igor Rudnikov, OSCE Representative reiterates call for his release

VIENNA, 6 November 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed concern regarding the lengthy detention of journalist Igor Rudnikov in Kaliningrad in the Russian Federation and reiterated his call on the country’s authorities to release him.

“The lengthy arrest of Igor Rudnikov for more than a year and repeated extension of his detention is very worrying and raises serious concerns,” Désir said. “I call on the Russian authorities to release the journalist and allow him to continue his important journalistic work without undue interference.”

On 1 November 2017 Rudnikov, editor and founder of the Noviye Kolyosa newspaper, was forcefully detained by representatives of the Russian Federal Security Service on allegations of extorting money from a high-level law enforcement official in the Kaliningrad region. His detention has been extended several times, and the current one is scheduled to end in March 2019. The journalist and his newspaper are well known for their investigative journalism, particularly in relation to the activities of local authorities.  

The Representative has previously raised this case (see www.osce.org/fom/354601).

In March 2016, Rudnikov was attacked and received multiple stab wounds in an incident condemned by the Representative (see www.osce.org/fom/230601).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, twitter @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.