Arkhangelsk police have detained a former State Duma deputy on suspicion of filing false reports with law enforcement authorities that a political rival possessed illegal drugs, Itar-Tass reported Monday.
Dmitry Gusakov, a Duma deputy with the Liberal Democratic Party from 2003 to 2007, is also accused of planting a large amount of hashish on his rival for the position of leader of the party's regional branch.
Gusakov faces up to six years in prison if charged and convicted of lying to the authorities and planting evidence.
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.