President Dmitry Medvedev carefully weighed in Monday on a turf war between the Investigative Committee and Prosecutor General's Office, which clashed over an illegal gambling ring in the Moscow region allegedly protected by local police and prosecutors.
Medvedev called for people linked to the gambling den to be punished, but also threatened to fire officials who proclaim the suspects guilty ahead of a trial.
"Pressuring the investigation by employing mass media is unacceptable. Those caught doing this will be fired regardless of their rank and position," Medvedev said at a meeting with top law enforcement officials in Moscow.
He also called for an investigation in a "quiet and calm manner."
The Investigative Committee, separated from the Prosecutor General's Office in December, launched an attack on Moscow region prosecutors this month, linking them to the gambling network.
The suspects denied all charges, and the Prosecutor General's Office attempted to close the cases and slammed investigators in public statements.
But it also suspended the prime suspects, Moscow region Prosecutor General Alexander Mokhov and his first deputy, Alexander Ignatenko, pending an internal check, an agency spokeswoman said Monday, Interfax reported.
Investigators claimed earlier that the alleged organizer of the gambling den, Ivan Nazarov, paid for posh birthday celebrations and overseas trips for Mokhov and Ignatenko, as well as tours by their subordinates and family members. Nazarov was formally charged with fraud Monday.
Mokhov reiterated Monday his previous claim that he has paid for all his trips out of his own pocket, and said he has provided paperwork to prove it to Prosecutor General Yury Chaika.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
