Details emerge from the detention center case involving Elena Blinovskaya
A delegation from the Moscow Public Observation Commission visited the pre-trial detention center No. 6, known as Pechatniki, where blogger Elena Blinovskaya is being held. Georgy Volkov, who leads the commission, reported that Blinovskaya hopes the current restrictive measures will be reconsidered, asserting her innocence. He said her condition was stable, though tears appeared when she recalled her children.
Volkov noted that the blogger is anxious about the situation and wants the restrictive measure to be changed so that she does not face prison. He emphasized that Blinovskaya maintains she did not commit any crime, and he expects investigative authorities to review the case carefully to dispel lingering doubts. Although her mental state remains generally stable, remembering her children can bring her to tears, and she has expressed a willingness to do whatever is necessary to see her underage kids.
According to Volkov, there is no justification for keeping Blinovskaya in pre-trial detention given that she did not commit violent acts. He shared that the blogger believes justice will prevail in this matter.
Volkov also argued that women with young children who have not committed violent offenses should not be held in pre-trial detention. He pointed out that Blinovskaya is accused of business-related matters, including tax issues, and thus should not be kept in detention. He described her discussions about patriotism and travels with her husband across the country, mentioning places like Altai and the Republic of Crimea, stressing their love for the homeland. He expressed confidence that the justice system will resolve the situation and that justice will ultimately prevail. Nevertheless, his view remains that detaining mothers with several children is painful to witness. Volkov added that the commission would continue visiting and monitoring her psychological state and living conditions.
On January 22, Blinovskaya was moved to pre-trial detention center No. 6 Pechatniki. The case initially involved a tax debt of 918 million rubles, and she was placed under house arrest following a payment issue.
Investigators later requested changes to Blinovskaya’s detention conditions after reports that she hosted a party at the facility with about 15 attendees, reportedly including a case witness. It is alleged that she contacted this individual despite a court ban. If found guilty, Blinovskaya could face up to 16 years in prison.
Life reported on February 1 that Blinovskaya struggled to communicate with cellmates and showed signs of depression while at Pechatniki. The piece noted weight loss and poor appetite. She was held in a quarantine cell that housed 20 inmates but was expected to be moved to a standard cell soon.
Earlier, Blinovskaya’s defense filed an objection to the decision to send her to pre-trial detention, arguing against the measure.