×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Man Chains, Abandons Alleged Thief

A Siberian man was given a year in prison and a minor fine for chaining an alleged thief and abandoning her on a small river island, the Omsk region branch of the Investigative Committee said Thursday.

Alexei Kolchanov, 33, suspected his 24-year-old acquaintance of stealing 200,000 rubles ($6,300) from him, the report said.

To force her to pay him back, he beat up the woman, ferried her to an islet on the Irtysh River and abandoned her with a leaking metal can chained to her neck to prevent her from escaping.

The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, still managed to flee, keeping herself afloat on a piece of styrofoam she found on the island long enough to be rescued by fishermen.

The incident took place in July, but was not reported before.

A local court convicted Kolchanov of battery and illegal deprivation of freedom and sentenced him to jail time and a fine of 5,000 rubles ($160).

The committee did not specify whether Kolchanov would appeal or whether the woman really stole the money.

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.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more