On February 13, the Moscow City Court is set to review the legality of moving blogger Elena Blinovskaya from house arrest to a pre-trial detention facility. This development was reported by RIA News and has drawn attention to a case that has been unfolding for several weeks in the Russian capital. The court hearing is scheduled for February 13 at 15:00, according to the official notice. The decision could mark a significant shift in Blinovskaya’s legal status and the associated restrictions on her freedom while investigators proceed with the case. The court’s ruling will be closely watched by observers who track the interplay between investigative actions and the rights of individuals involved in high-profile online cases in Russia.
News from February 7 confirms that three of the twelve companies linked to Blinovskaya’s husband, Alexey, are in the process of liquidation. This financial maneuver appears to be part of broader legal and reputational pressures surrounding the family. Analysts note that corporate restructuring in this context can be a tactic to manage assets or respond to sanctions and tax-related inquiries that have accompanied the overall case.
On the same day, authorities indicated that Blinovskaya might be permitted to use the beauty salon within the pre-trial detention facility. This detail underscores the ongoing assessment of detainee rights and the conditions under which individuals held in custody may access limited services while under investigation.
Earlier, on January 22, Blinovskaya was transferred to pre-trial detention center No. 6 known as Pechatniki. The transfer followed a tax-related dispute in which an initial sum of 918 million rubles was cited as the trigger for the case. At that time, she was placed under house arrest, which imposed a ban on internet use and mobile communication to limit potential contact with others or dissemination of information about the case.
Georgy Volkov, head of Moscow’s Public Oversight Commission, stated that Blinovskaya was moved to a four-bed cell in the facility, where she now has two neighbors. He noted that Blinovskaya did not raise complaints about the living conditions or the restrictions currently in place. This update contributes to a broader understanding of how detainee welfare is monitored within the system and how such reports are communicated to the public.
There were previous reports that scientists became Blinovskaya’s cellmates, which drew attention to the complexity of daily life in detention and the mix of detainees sharing living space. While the specifics of these alleged cellmates were not fully clarified in later briefings, the situation illustrates how a detainee’s environment can evolve as the case progresses through the legal process.
The ongoing situation reflects a broader context in which Russian authorities balance investigative needs, legal due process, and the rights of those involved in high-profile online activity. Observers continue to monitor the case for any shifts in the charges, the conditions of detention, and the potential implications for Blinovskaya’s ability to participate in the legal process while under various forms of supervision. While the exact outcomes remain uncertain, the coming hearings are likely to shape how such cases are handled in the capital and may influence related legal interpretations in similar circumstances.