Investigators have identified several suspects in the beating of journalist Oleg Kashin, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday.
Oleg Kashin, who focused on social issues for Kommersant newspaper, was brutally beaten by assailants outside his home in the early hours of November 6, 2010. The 30-year-old was also a prolific blogger and frequent critic of Russian officialdom.
"Some time ago, I was informed about a number of people suspected in committing this crime, but I’m not authorized to disclose their names to this or any other audience,” Medvedev said while addressing a group of journalist students at Moscow State University.
The day when Kashin was beaten up, Medvedev ordered an investigation into the attack, vowing that whoever was behind it "will be punished regardless of their position, place in society or accomplishments."
Medvedev said he had “absolutely no doubts” that the case will “be brought to its logical end.”
He also said that media outlets should be owned by businessmen or public organizations. Most of Russia’s central television channels are currently owned and controlled by the state.
“On the whole, media should be owned by either businessmen or public structures, that’s why the idea of public TV should be reviewed in our country. The question is on what basis,” the Russian president said.
There should be only one powerful state TV station to reflect the official point of view, others should not be controlled by the state, Medvedev said.
Last December, Medvedev proposed setting up public television in Russia whose policy would be governed by the public rather than by the state or the channel owners.
