Russain journalist reported killed shows up at news conference

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 May 2018

Arkady Babchenko, a Russian journalist previously reported killed, appeared alive at a news conference in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed they staged his death to apprehend those plotting against him.

Summary

Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko (pictured), who had been reported shot and killed in the Ukrainian capital Tuesday, has shown up at a news conference very much alive.

Vasily Gritsak, head of the Ukrainian Security Service, told a news conference on Wednesday the agency faked Babchenko's death to catch those who were trying to kill him.

Kiev and national police had said Babchenko, a strong critic of the Kremlin, was shot multiple times in the back at his apartment building and found bleeding by his wife.

He showed up at Gritsak's new conference on Wednesday and thanked everyone who was mourning his death.

Babchenko, 41, one of Russia's best-known war reporters, spoke and wrote about leaving the country because of repeated threats that he and his family would be harmed.

The head of the Ukrainian Security Service says investigators have identified a Ukrainian citizen who allegedly was paid $40,000 by the Russian security service to organize and carry out the killing of an exiled Russian journalist. - AP

KEY POINTS:

• Arkady Babchenko reported dead, later appears alive.
• Ukrainian Security Service faked his death for an investigation.
• Babchenko is a prominent critic of the Kremlin.
• Identities of suspects linked to the plot have been revealed.
• Involved suspect allegedly received $40,000 from Russian security.