Popular Russian musician ‘falls to death’ during police search over alleged support for Ukraine
A popular musician has reportedly died after falling from the window of his flat during police searches over his alleged donations to the Ukrainian military.
The Mash Telegram channel, which is believed to have links to Russia’s security services, said Vadim Stroykin was facing up to 20 years in prison if charged and convicted of “participating in a terrorist organisation” for his alleged support for the Ukrainian army.
News website Fontanka reported that police officers searched his 10th-floor apartment in the central Admiralteysky district of St Petersburg yesterday.
“He was last seen alive on the 10th floor when he stepped out into the kitchen to drink water,” Fontanka said.
Stroykin then “hastily opened the window and committed the irreversible act”, according to Mash.
There was widespread scepticism as to this account of the death, however.
Anton Barbashin, the editorial director at Riddle Russia, a journal that provides analysis of Russian affairs, said this…