In Karelia, FSB officers are conducting a search of independent journalist Valery Potashov, the From Karelia with freedom Telegram channel reports .
It is unknown what the search was connected with.
14:13 They also came with a search to the editorial office of the publication "Stolitsa na Onego", where Potashov worked until 2023. This was written by "Karelia.News" with reference to the editor-in-chief of "Stolitsa" Tatyana Sokolova.
"Everything is very correct and respectful. FSB officers are checking the editorial office's computers. We were told that this is connected specifically with Valery Potashov, who used to work here. Officially, these actions, according to the resolution, are called inspection of the premises, but we call them "searches". The editorial office's work does not stop, we work as usual," Sokolova told her colleagues.They came to her editorial office at about 11 am.
Novaya Gazeta, with which Potashov collaborated, wrote that today he was supposed to work in court at a hearing on the Karelian prosecutor's claim to recognize the actions of the Finns during the occupation of the region as genocide. Earlier, the local FSB department threatened journalists covering the trial with cases of treason in the event of the preparation of "anti-Russian content."
16:30 It became known that Potashov's house was searched in connection with a criminal case on participation in the activities of an "undesirable organization" (Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code). The journalist's relatives reported this to OVD-Info.
According to preliminary information, he is accused of collaborating with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The organization was declared "undesirable" in February 2024.
After the search, Potashov was taken to the local FSB Directorate for questioning. The man refused to testify and was released after some time.
On August 2, Potashov was not formally searched, but rather "examined" as part of operational investigative measures, writes "From Karelia with Freedom". No criminal case was opened against him.
The journalist did not make it to the trial to recognize the actions of the Finns during World War II as genocide.
The title has been changed to clarify information.