Russian Political Scientist Kynev, Reportedly Left With a Broken Leg in Custody, Faces Transfer to Another Detention Center
Russian political scientist Alexander Kynev, arrested over an alleged attempt to sell drugs, was due to be moved on October 14 from the Matrosskaya Tishina pretrial detention center to another facility. His lawyer says the reasons and the new location are unknown.
Alexander Kynev, a Russian political scientist arrested over an alleged attempt to sell drugs, was due to be transferred on October 14 from the Matrosskaya Tishina pretrial detention center to another detention facility. His lawyer, Mikhail Biryukov, announced the move. The case has drawn attention because Kynev is regarded as one of the most respected experts on Russian regional politics and elections, while the Russian authorities have designated him a "foreign agent."
"We don't know why he is being transferred, on what grounds, or where he will be held," Biryukov said.
Arrest and injuries
Kynev was arrested on September 25. Human rights advocates from the group Slovo Zashchity say he was severely beaten during the arrest. They report that he was diagnosed with two fractures of the shinbone, and he was admitted to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina.
Schulmann's claim
Political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann said Kynev's leg was broken in order to force him to confess to treason. She did not say where she got this information. Kynev's defense team stated that it has no documents confirming what Schulmann said.
