On March, the 17th, more than 300 protesters in the Russian city of Saratov have expressed their solidarity with the head of the Vzglyad media group and a member of the Board of the regional Russia’s Union of Journalists who was severely beaten on March 5.
Vadim Rogozhin, 38, the owner of the Vzglyad media holding company, was attacked by unknown assailants on his way home.
Representatives of the regional branch of Russia’s Union of Journalists, local NGOs, and human rights activists, as well ordinary citizens gathered in the city center near the Chernyshevsky memorial to show their support.
Some held signs saying, “Who Ordered It? Find Them,” “Stop Terrorizing Journalists,” and, “No To Censorship, Yes To Freedom Of Speech!”
The picket was ignored by the city authorities including the Governor of Saratov region Pavel Ipatov who previously claimed that the investigation had been taken over his personal control.
Rogozhin is still in the hospital, where his condition is described as serious but stable.
Rogozhin’s colleagues believe the attack is likely connected to his professional activities.
