Interrogation of Aleksandr Podrabinek as witness in the case on book "FSB Blows Up Russia" - details

Editor-in-chief of PRIMA News Agency Alexander Podrabinek was told when he was questioned by FSB (Federal Security Service) on January 28 that criminal proceedings had been instituted in connection with disclosure of state secret in the books "FSB Blows Up Russia" and "LCG - Lubyanka Criminal Group." On December 29, 2003, the book "FSB Blows Up Russia" bought by PRIMA in batch was confiscated as part of the criminal case.

Criminal case No 218 on disclosing state secret was started in June 2003. There are no accused in the case. During questioning, senior investigator of FSB's Investigation Department Lieutenant Aleksandr Soyma told Mr. Podrabinek that copies of the book "FSB Blows Up Russia" by Alexander Litvinenko and Yury Felshtinsky were confiscated as material evidence. He also added that the book, as well as the other book by Mr. Litvinenko "LCG - Lubyanka Criminal Group", would be withdrawn from sales. The investigator stated that there was experts' report concerning both the books and this was enough to withdraw them.

Mr. Podrabinek, who was questioned as a witness, was asked about conditions of the sale contract signed by PRIMA Agency to purchase the book "FSB Blows Up Russia." Mr. Podrabinek refused to answer the questions saying that it was nothing to do with the matter of state secret disclosure. Mr. Podrabinek also refused to sign an undertaking not to disclose information obtained by preliminary investigation that became known to him. One of FSB investigators said that the case of Mr. Podrabinek's refusal to give evidence would be passed on to the Prosecutor's office.

In the course of the questioning, Alexander Podrabinek handed over to the investigator Mr. Litvinenko's consent to be questioned by FSB on the stipulation that the interrogation would take place in London. The investigator declined the offer to question Mr. Litvinenko.

Editors note: See also the articles "Case concerning book "Blowing Up Russia: Terror from Within" conducted by FSB", "Aleksandr Podrabinek: seizure of book "FSB Blows Up Russia" is act of intimidation against society", "Book "FSB Blows Up Russia" can be distributed by anyone who wishes".