A Russian man who was attacked by a mob in the Mexican city of Cancun has been charged with premeditated murder.
Diving instructor Alexei Makeev was arrested by Mexican police on Monday, the Russian Consulate in Mexico City confirmed.
Hundreds of people gathered outside of Makeev’s residence in Cancun on May 19, reportedly in response to several videos which the Russian had uploaded online.
The clips reportedly used Nazi imagery and insulted the Mexican people, Russia’s RIA Novosti reported.
Makeev was wounded in the ensuing brawl, while one of his attackers died from his injuries.
Twenty local police officers were suspended following the attack. An investigation into police handling of the mob is ongoing.
The Russian Consul in Mexico City, Dmitry Bolbot, said that Makeev had so far refused all aid from the embassy.
“Makeev has categorically refused embassy help and has stressed that he does not want to return to Russia under any circumstances,” Bolbot told RIA Novosti. “The embassy will nevertheless continue to monitor the situation.”
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.
