Headline Roundup • June 11th, 2023
US Citizen Travis Leake Detained in Moscow on Drug Charges
Summary from the AllSides News Team
A U.S. citizen, Travis Leake, who is an Iraq war veteran and lead singer of Moscow rock band Lovi Noch, was detained by Russian authorities.
The Details: Leake, who has lived in Moscow since 2010, was detained on drug charges, and described by a Russian statement as a “paratrooper and musician.” Russian authorities said they found “drug packages” on him. Leake will remain in custody until August 6.
For Context: Leake had previously been interviewed by CNN (Lean Left bias) on Parts Unknown hosted by Anthony Bourdain, who handpicked Leake to be featured, in 2014. A Wall Street Journal (Center bias) reporter, American Evan Gershkovich, is currently detained by Russian authorities on espionage charges.
Key Quotes: In a video published by Russian state media, Leake said, “I don't know why I am here… I am not admitting to any guilt and I do not believe that I have done what I have been accused [of] because I don't know what I've been accused of.” Parts Unknown and CNN producer Darya Tarasova said, “The last time we spoke was in 2018 and he seemed depressed and upset, but Travis would never do the things he is being accused of.” Russian tabloid, Ren TV, said Leake visited Ukraine “several times” in 2014.
How The Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the events similarly.
Featured Coverage of this Story
ABC7
An American musician who has lived in Russia for more than a decade has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, Russian news media reported Saturday.
The reports said Michael Travis Leake is suspected of selling mephedrone, whose effects are similar to those of cocaine and MDMA.
A Moscow court ordered him to be held for two months in pre-trial detention, the reports said.
He faces charges of production or distribution of drugs, which carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
An Instagram page under the name Travis Leake...
ADAM BERRY/GETTY IMAGES
An American citizen, described as both a musician and an ex-paratrooper, has been arrested in Moscow, according to Russian courts in the capital.
The U.S. citizen, identified as Michael Travis Leake, was arrested on drug charges on Saturday, according to a statement published by Moscow's general jurisdiction courts. He is suspected of selling a drug named mephedrone, causing effects similar to cocaine or MDMA, The Associated Press reported.
"On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a U.S. citizen," Moscow's general jurisdiction courts said on Telegram.
...
A US citizen has been detained in Russia, according to a Telegram statement from Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction.
The man was detained on Saturday where “the Khamovniki District Court of Moscow took a preventive measure against an American citizen,” it said.
A court statement identified the man as “Travis Michael Leek” – a spelling of his name that has since been disputed.
“The former paratrooper and musician is accused of engaging in the narcotics business through attracting young people,” the statement said.
It added that he had appeared at...
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