One person has been killed in a shootout at a candy factory in southeastern Moscow, with reports of an ongoing hostage situation.
Police have cordoned off the building of the Menshevik plant in Lyublino district, the Moskva news agency reported Wednesday. It cited an unnamed law enforcement source as saying the shooting took place because of a property dispute.
“One person fell victim to the shooting, three others were wounded,” a law enforcement source told the state-run TASS news agency.
An unspecified number of hostages are being held by the suspect, who is reportedly armed with a semi-automatic rifle, according to the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.
The radio station Business FM reported that it was able to get in touch with Menshevik’s director, Ilya Averyanov, by phone.
“My plant was seized with the use of fake documents, they have ruined me,” Averyanov is cited as saying.
“I have a service weapon and used it in defense today. Unfortunately, I believe I shot one to death."
Reports claim that a Moscow arbitration court was due to hear the plant’s bankruptcy claim on Jan. 18, 2018.
“If I stay alive, I will fight to the end," Averyanov said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
