Just like in the good old days. I showed up for questioning in a ridiculous defamation case involving police officer Karpov—the same one who was among the first to come to Chaika’s defense after our investigation. It turned out the case was opened on the very day the “victim” filed his complaint.
The questioning was just questioning, business as usual. Then I see a riot police officer (OMON, a Russian special police unit) peeking into the office. So I think: well, this is going to be more interesting than just an interview. A little later, the investigator steps out, and three guys walk in: hello, criminal investigation division, we’re going to conduct a personal search now. Lawyer Mikhailova was kicked out of the room—only people of the same sex are allowed to be present during a personal search—they turned out my pockets, patted me down, made me take off my shoes and bang them on the floor. Right after that came another announcement: and now we’re going to your home for a search.
So that’s where we’re headed now. Interestingly, this is the third search of my apartment, and all of them have happened in June. Must be some kind of tradition—they’re congratulating me on my birthday, and this time it’s even an anniversary.
Why a search is needed in a defamation case, I have no idea, since the case was opened “because of posts on Navalny’s blog.” I guess that’s what they’re looking for—Navalny’s blog.
I have no doubt at all—these are greetings to the ACF (Anti-Corruption Foundation) and to me personally from Yuri Yakovlevich Chaika. Which means we must be doing everything right.