‘Meduza’ journalist Ivan Golunov files 5-million-ruble lawsuit against cops who planted drugs on him last summer

Meduza journalist Ivan Golunov has filed a lawsuit against the five police officers who arrested him last summer and planted drugs on him in an attempt to frame him for felony offenses. He seeks 5 million rubles ($70,500) in damages. 

The Golunov case: Moscow police officers arrested Ivan Golunov on June 6, 2019, on suspicion of drug dealing. He maintained his innocence and said the drugs were planted on him. After five days of public campaigning and protests, the case was closed and Golunov was released from house arrest. In January 2020, the now-former police officers who arrested Golunov were themselves arrested and charged with abuse of power, falsifying evidence, and drug possession.

Golunov wants the former officers to return the income they received while working in drug enforcement. He argues that they “only gave the appearance” of combating drugs. If awarded the money, Golunov says he will donate the funds to charity.

Ivan Golunov’s lawsuit will be considered within the trial against the former officers.