Gusinsky charged by Russian prosecutors

Prosecutors in Russia have brought criminal charges against the head of the Media-Most independent media group, Vladimir Gusinsky.

He fled abroad after being held in custody for three days earlier this year amid a row over alleged attacks by the authorities on press freedom.

Mr Gusinsky's lawyer Genri Reznik told journalists in Moscow that no information had been given about the nature of the charges, or whether Mr Gusinsky would remain free during proceedings.

The announcement followed the failure of Mr Gusinsky to answer a Moscow court summons today Monday.

In June, he was accused of embezzlement over dealings with the giant energy company, Gazprom.

But reports say Gazprom has now settled its row over debts owed it by Media-Most and the two companies will submit their agreement for approval by the courts tomorrow.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service