Andrei Babitsky

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Andrei Babitsky (Андрей Бабицкий : Moscow, 26 September 1964) is a Russian journalist and war correspondent for Radio Free Europe. He is famous for his coverage of war in Chechenya, and for his consecutive ordeal with Russian authorities.

Babitsky specialised himself in coverage of the Second Chechen War, to the point of growing good relations with Chechen fighters. He managed to interview guerrilla leader Shamil Basayev.

Babitsky made a last contact with his colleagues on January 15, 2000 and "disappeared". It became apparent that he had been arrested by the Russian army. Russian authorities at first denied knowing of his whereabouts; the January 28, they admitted to having him in custody since January 23. The FSB claimed to have charged him with "taking part in an illegal armed formation". Babitsky was eventually exchanged for two Russian soldiers, supposedly captured by the Chechens, sparking outrage from fellow Russian journalists. He was eventually released and returned to journalism.

On September 2nd 2004, Babitsky was detained by Russian Special Services at Vnukovo airport whilst attempting to get to the siege at School Number 1 in Beslan.