"The Latvian Association of Journalists joins a call to release the journalist Ivan Golunov of the Internet media “ Meduza” detained in Russia. In Moscow on June 6, Ivan Golunov, the investigative journalist of the Latvian-based media “Meduza”, was arrested. Golunov was detained by Moscow Criminal Search officers, the journalist being blamed for the proliferation of drugs," said a statement from the LŽA.
"The circumstances of detention, the search in a journalist's apartment, the immediate involvement of power-bound media in the presentation of the Golunov’s case suggest that this case is a planned provocation against the journalist.
Ivan Goklunov is one of the best journalists of Medusa, the author of many significant materials. He went to meet with his colleagues at the time of his arrest. The Latvian Association of Journalists expresses support for Ivan Golunov and calls for immediate release," it added.
Meduza, a Russian media outlet independent of state control, has been based in Latvia for several years, using it as a base for the free expression that has become increasingly difficult in Russia itself. It runs an English-language portal in addition to Russian content, and can be followed to find latest information about the Golunov case.
In addition, a picket is planned outside the Russian embassy in Rīga at 09:00 on Tuesday June 11.
