Law enforcement officers conducted searches at the apartment of Vladislav Postnikov, the editor-in-chief of the online publication Vecherniye Vedomosti, following a recent fine of 100,000 rubles in July. The fine was issued under a Russian law about discrediting the armed forces. Officials said the searches were part of ongoing investigations connected to a wider case involving a former State Duma deputy and allegations of spreading false information about the military. Postnikov was not at home when the searches took place, and attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful.
Those familiar with the case indicated that the actions are tied to the broader criminal proceedings linked to the former deputy, who is under scrutiny for similar charges. An interlocutor described the situation as a consequence of the strong ties between Postnikov and the former deputy, which is believed to have influenced the current investigative steps.
Postnikov’s attorney confirmed the calls and stated that his client has not had access to his grandfather’s documents, and that the available information comes from the media. The defense suggested that the prosecution was accompanied by major investigative divisions from regional and federal authorities, although no specific details were provided. The precise location of Postnikov remained unknown at the time, and he did not answer calls. The editorial office reportedly was not the target of a search, according to the attorney, who noted that investigators asked guards about whether any staff members had come to inquire that day.
Earlier reports indicated that the former deputy was planning to appear at investigative actions according to his declared place of residence on messaging and video platforms associated with the publication. Officials indicated that the full scope of the action would be determined by ongoing inquiries. The involvement of high-profile political figures and media executives continues to draw attention to the case, reflecting ongoing concerns about information control and public discourse in the region.