On April 14, Novaya Gazeta journalist Oleg Roldugin was formally charged in the presence of his lawyer in a case over “unlawful access to computer information” committed as part of a group (Part 3, Article 272.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). This was reported by Novaya Gazeta.
The same article had already been cited during the court hearing on his pretrial measure held on April 10. At that time, the journalist was placed under arrest for one month as a suspect. Before the hearing, Roldugin said he did not admit guilt. The article carries a maximum penalty of up to six years in prison.
Photo: SOTAvision
During questioning, Roldugin said he had created a Telegram channel containing exclusive information “that could not be used in journalistic activity.” The judge did not name the channel.
According to Agentstvo, law enforcement officers have for the first time used the article on illegal operations involving personal data against a media outlet for working with leaks. Previously, it had only been used against administrators of leak databases and law enforcement officers who pass on data.
Roldugin was detained on April 9 after a search of his home. On the same day, a 13-hour search took place at the Novaya Gazeta editorial office. Law enforcement officers seized equipment and documents.
At Novaya Gazeta, Roldugin published investigations into Ramzan Kadyrov’s entourage and into the creators of the Max messenger.