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Russia Apologizes To Norwegian Journalists


Oystein Bogen, one of two Norwegian journalists harassed by Russian police on a trip to Sochi.
Oystein Bogen, one of two Norwegian journalists harassed by Russian police on a trip to Sochi.
Russia has apologized to two Norwegian reporters who were repeatedly questioned and detained by police during a trip to report on preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Norway's official games broadcaster TV2 said its journalists Oeystein Bogen and Aage Aune had been questioned, detained, and searched by police, who said one of them had been using drugs.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that local police officers abused their positions, leading to "a series of unwarranted actions towards the citizens of Norway."

The statement offered an apology to the two reporters and pledged that "those [who are] guilty will receive a corresponding punishment."

A statement by Human Rights Watch said the journalists had been detained several times traveling in and out of the Sochi region.



With reporting by Reuters

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