Igor Rudnikov

Affiliated media: Novye Kolyosa, Founder

Incident date: November 3, 2017

Attack type:

• Court trial

Who attacked: Authorities

Source: RFE/RL

Location: Russia, Kaliningrad Oblast, Kaliningrad

Additional information:

On November 1, 2017, security forces stormed the building of the editorial office of the publication “Novye Kolyosa” (New Wheels) then kept the newspaper's staff in the room for seven hours. Rudnikov was first forcefully taken from home to the office, then driven from there unconscious. His colleague and assistant Yuri Grozmani said that the editor was beaten by officers from the special services - he was hit several times on the head, causing a likely concussion. On November 3, the prosecutor at a trial requested an order of restraint in the form of detention for the publication’s leader for fear that Rudnikov "may escape, continue to engage in criminal activity, as well as put pressure on witnesses and destroy evidence". After that, Rudnikov’s order of restraint was repeatedly extended.