Oleg Roldugin is a political prisoner
An investigative journalist faces up to six years in prison for using data lookup bots in his reporting
Oleg Roldugin is a journalist and Executive Director of Novaya Gazeta. He was also the last editor-in-chief of Sobesednik, a newspaper that ceased publication in 2024 after being designated a ‘foreign agent’ media outlet.
On 9 April 2026, security officers searched Roldugin’s apartment, twisting his arms behind his back during the raid and seizing his computer equipment, mobile phone, and press credentials. Pro-government journalists were present and filmed the search. Afterwards, the authorities searched the offices of Novaya Gazeta. The search lasted 13 hours, and the newspaper’s journalists were ordered not to disclose details of the investigation.
On 10 April, Roldugin was remanded in custody. On 2 June, the court replaced his detention with house arrest. In requesting a less restrictive measure, his lawyer pointed out that Roldugin supports his minor children, one of whom is seriously ill, as well as his elderly parents.
Roldugin was charged with the unlawful use of computer information containing personal data (Article 272.1, Part 3 of the Russian Criminal Code) for allegedly using online data lookup bots in the course of his investigative journalism. The prosecution claims that the offence was committed “by a group of persons,” which Roldugin denies. He faces up to six years’ imprisonment.
The criminal provision under which Roldugin is charged was added to the Criminal Code in late 2024, ostensibly to combat fraud and the misuse of personal data. However, legal experts and even the Supreme Court criticised the new law from the outset for its vague and overly broad wording. Notably, similar conduct is also covered by an administrative offence, and whether a person faces criminal or administrative liability depends entirely on whether law enforcement decides that the alleged conduct poses a sufficient danger to society.
Thousands of people use data lookup bots. Oleg Roldugin used them solely for investigative journalism, work that is clearly socially significant and serves the public interest. He has become the first investigative journalist to be prosecuted under this article and, apparently, the first person to be deprived of liberty pending trial on such charges.
In our view, the authorities’ decision to prosecute Roldugin under the Criminal Code rather than the Code of Administrative Offences is unfounded and politically motivated, as is the decision to deprive him of his liberty during the investigation. This prosecution is retaliation for his professional work and is intended to intimidate society, particularly independent journalists.
A detailed description of Oleg Roldugin’s case and of our position is available on our website.
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