Rostov journalist Nasibyan detained after search

In Rostov-on-Don, law enforcers have detained the journalist, Bella Nasibyan, after searching her home, human rights defenders have informed. The searches of journalists' homes conducted in several Russian regions have to do with the case against Ilya Ponomaryov, a former MP, who is suspected of spreading fakes about the Russian Army.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that today, in Rostov-on-Don, law enforcers have searched the home of Bella Nasibyan, an activist and journalist of the "RusNews" outlet. Prior to the search, the Bella found out that her bank accounts were blocked, the human rights project "OVD-Info"* has informed.

The search of Bella Nasibyan's home was linked with the case against Ilya Ponomaryov, the Telegram channel "OVD-Info LIVE" has explained.

According to the source of the "161.ru" outlet, today, searches were also conducted at homes of media professionals in Ekaterinburg, Saratov and Tyumen.

A source of the RIA "Novosti" has specified that searches were conducted at residences of the administrators of Telegram and YouTube channels belonging to Ilya Ponomaryov.

Law enforcers believe that Ponomaryov, arrested in absentia, continues from abroad "his destructive activities against Russia in instant messengers and social networks." Since 2014, he has been living in emigration.