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30th May 2018

Russian journalist who was reported ‘murdered’ yesterday shows up to press conference very much alive

The Ukrainian Secret Service said it faked a Russian journalist's death after discovering of a Russian plot to kill him

Rudi Kinsella

The Ukrainian Secret Service said it faked a Russian journalist’s death after discovering of a Russian plot to kill him

Arkady Babchenko, a Russian journalist who was declared dead last night, turned up to a press conference today.

The Ukranian Security Service claim they staged the death to catch those who were trying to kill him.

The 41-year-old showed up at a press conference today, alongside the head of Ukranian security service.

Speaking at today’s press conference, a special forces officer dramatically said: “I would like to issue my condolences to the Babchenko family.”

However, he added: “But I won’t do it. Instead, I will wish him another happy birthday.”

At this point, Babchenko emerged in a black hoodie, visibly emotional as a result of the entire experience.

https://twitter.com/polina__ivanova/status/1001832196632702976

Here’s the moment a visibly upset Babchenko was unveiled at the press conference.

Clip via Громадське Телебаченн

The crowd gasp in shock, before applauding the return of the journalist. According to The Guardian, Babchenko told journalists: “I have been forced to bury my friends and colleagues many times and I know the sickening feeling.”

The journalist that was declared dead last night apologised to his wife. It’s not confirmed whether or not she has been aware of the staging.