Drug articles against government opponents in the Russian Federation: has the old trend returned? In Russia, political scientist Alexander Kinev has remained in custody since late September. After his arrest his leg was broken, his lawyer warned that he might remain disabled, but the court left him in custody. Kinev is accused of trying to sell drugs on a large scale. His arrest caused outrage among colleagues and acquaintances who noticed Kinev's sporty lifestyle. Also, drug charges were filed against Dmitry Morozov, a left-wing activist from Izhevsk who participated in organizing a rally against election fraud. On October 5, the court sent him to pre-trial detention on charges of drug possession. The activist's girlfriend, Daria Bagina, reported that FSB officers searched his parents' apartment and claimed to have found 1.38 grams of mefedrone. According to her, Morozov helped take care of his sick grandmother; She does not believe that the material found was his. Those involved in cases of political charges are expected to receive the status of political prisoners and significant support, and with "drug" charges, there will always be someone to whom the case seems "not so clear," lawyer Valeria Vetushkina tells DW. Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman links the use of "narcotic" articles against famous people with a lack of accountability and control over investigative bodies, as well as with a reduction in opportunities for public actions of solidarity. Shulman believes that under these conditions the security forces can rely on a fairly simple trial. More details on the DW website.