Three of Russia’s leading newspapers have come out in support of a reporter charged with drug offences, in a case that has caused a huge public outcry.
The front page headlines in Vedomosti, RBC, and Kommersant read “We are Ivan Golunov”, referring to the investigative journalist.
Mr Golunov was charged over the weekend with trying to illegally sell drugs. His lawyer said the drugs were planted.
The journalist was reportedly beaten up during his arrest last week.
Mr Golunov, 36, is a freelance journalist, who has contributed to a number of media outlets including the Latvia-based news site Meduza.
His arrest led to heated discussions among social media users in Russia, with many accusing the authorities of trying to stifle freedom of press.
Russian authorities have so far not commented on the case.
A Moscow court on Sunday ordered that Mr Golunov be placed under house arrest rather than remanded in custody, which is standard procedure in drug-related cases in Russia.
“The police have declared war on journalists,” declares one Russian newspaper today. Reporters express outrage at the detention of a well-known investigative journalist. Out of solidarity three papers feature the same front page & headline: “I/We Are Ivan Golunov” #ReadingRussia pic.twitter.com/hQJTdj9qvC
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) June 10, 2019
