Russian video blogger attacked, injured

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 6 years ago

New York — Russian authorities should conduct a swift and credible investigation into the brutal attack on video blogger Vadim Kharchenko in the southwestern city of Krasnodar and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

On June 1, unknown assailants attacked Krasnodar-based Karchenko, founder of the YouTube channel Lichnoe Mneniye, ("Personal Opinion"), after he went to meet a potential source, according to a video account posted by Karchenko on his channel and Russian media reports.

Kharchenko claimed in the video that two men shot at him several times, "probably from a non-lethal weapon"—such as a pellet gun or a rubber-bullet gun—hitting him in the abdomen. He also said the assailants hit him in the head and stabbed him several times, including in his right hand and arm. He alleged that the attack was related to the posts on his YouTube channel.

On his YouTube channel, Kharchenko reports and comments on protests and conducts investigations into alleged police abuse of power to his more than 175,000 subscribers.

"Russian authorities must carry out a timely and credible investigation into the attack on Vadim Kharchenko and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice," said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. "Impunity in the assault or killing of reporters is a cancer on Russian journalism which robs the public of sorely needed, independent information."

According to the video blogger's account and media reports, the attack took place after Kharchenko went to a meeting with a police informant who had promised to deliver evidence that a regional police department in Krasnodar was falsifying criminal cases.

Kharchenko said that he was on his way home after the informant had not showed up when somebody fired at him from behind at a distance of about five meters. He ran at one of the assailants, who attacked him with a knife. After exchanging several blows and stabbing and hitting Karchenko, the attackers ran from the scene. Karchenko found a ride to the hospital where he underwent treatment for his injuries, he said in the video.

The officer on duty in the Karasun department of the Ministry of Interior in Krasnodar told CPJ over the phone that he would not provide any information on the incident to parties other than Kharchenko himself. – A CPJ News Alert

Don't Miss These

JournalismPakistan.com launches dedicated Middle East section to deepen regional media coverage

 November 07, 2025: JournalismPakistan.com launches a Middle East section to expand regional reporting. New coverage will follow JP’s editorial SOPs—verification, balanced sourcing, and two-stage review—placed between Asia and World on the Home Page.

Russia slams Pakistan’s Frontier Post for ‘Western bias’; newspaper hits back

 November 07, 2025: Russia accuses Pakistan’s Frontier Post of anti-Russia bias; the paper defends press freedom and independence. A diplomatic clash over media narratives.

Javed Chaudhry signs off from Express News after 18 years on ‘Kal Tak’

 November 07, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Chaudhry bids farewell to Express News after 18 years on Kal Tak, marking the end of an era in Pakistani television journalism.

Why only Nukta, Mr. Minister? Media workers question government's selective support

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.

Information Minister Tarar announces jobs for all 37 laid-off Nukta employees

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.

Faisal Chaudhry’s viral one-liner on G for Gharidah steals the show

 November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.

A digital dream falters: Nukta cuts 37 jobs in Pakistan after only one year

 November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.

Talat Hussain says offensive viral clip was edited out, not aired on Samaa TV

 November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.