Reporter’s arrest sparks Outrage in Russia

A Russian investigative journalist facing drugs charges in a case supporters have denounced as a frame-up was taken to hospital yesterday after complaining of being beaten in police custody. Ivan Golunov, a Moscow-based reporter for Meduza independent news site has been charged with attempted dealing in designer drug mephedrone and cocaine. Rights groups Amnesty said there was evidence that the authorities were fabricating drugs charges to shut up their critics. A paramedic who examined him told Interfax news agency that he had numerous grazes to his chest, injuries to his ribs and a suspected head injury while police have denied he was beaten. Golunov’s detention has prompted widespread outrage and supporters and journalists have held protests outside the police headquarters.