Tatar Blogger Accused Of Disclosing Information On Navalny Case

Irek Murtazin

Prominent Tatar blogger Irek Murtazin has dismissed warnings by Russian investigators that he could face criminal charges for disclosing information on a probe against opposition leader Aleksei Navalny and his brother Oleg.

Murtazin told RFE/RL on February 12 that he never signed any papers banning him from disclosing secret information and therefore the warnings were groundless.

Russia's Investigative Committee said on February 11 that Murtazin might face criminal charges for his article in the "Novaya gazeta" weekly published last week.

Murtazin's article suggests the probe against the Navalny brothers was launched on the basis of a letter from French cosmetics company Yves Rocher.

Murtazin also alleged in his article that the Yves Rocher letter was filed under pressure.

The Navalny brothers are accused of embezzling $1.8 million from Yves Rocher in 2008-2011.