Law enforcement officers conducted searches at the URA.RU news agency in Russia, and several journalists were interrogated as witnesses in a criminal case. The searches are reportedly linked to an investigation into the potential abuse of power by unidentified police officers.

The investigation stems from a case initiated in April. Authorities are looking into how the news agency obtains information, with suspicions that journalists were purchasing operational reports from law enforcement.

During the searches, one journalist, Denis Allayarov, head of the Sverdlovsk department of URA.RU, alleges that physical force was used against him. He claims his arms were twisted when he refused to unlock equipment without a lawyer present. Allayarov also stated that he was verbally informed that he allegedly photographed the head of the Sverdlovsk police and the Sverdlovsk governor.

Law enforcement officials seized computers during the search of the URA.RU offices, finding evidence that journalists allegedly bought reports from law enforcement officials.

Human rights activist Eva Merkacheva criticized the actions, emphasizing the media’s role in serving society’s interests. She noted that journalists are legally protected from revealing their sources unless a court orders it.

Initially, reports indicated that Denis Allayarov, Sergei Bodrov, and Anna Salymskaya were detained, but later information confirmed that they were released and hold witness status. Interrogations are still ongoing.