Arkady Babchenko: «I’m still alive. Don’t count on it!» (VIDEO)

The famous Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko is alive. His murder was prevented by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU/ SBU).

It became known during the SSU briefing on May 30.

The organizer of Arkady Babchenko’s assassination attempt was detained on Wednesday, May 30. The detainee is suspected of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 14, part 5 of Article 27, part 3 of Article 258 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. SSU received information about the upcoming attempt of Arkady Babchenko about two months ago. The journalist was under SSU constant control. His family also knew about the conduct of the special operation. All operation  details are not disclosed yet. The investigation continues.

«I should now express my condolences to Arkady Babchenko’s family, but I will not do it. On the contrary, I want to greet his family, all of you, the whole world that watches this situation and congratulate Arkady Babchenko on his third birthday,» stated the SSU head Vasily Gritsak.

Afterwards Arkady Babchenko himself appeared before the journalists safe and sound.

«Good afternoon. I would like to apologize for your emotional stress and you had to go through. I have buried my friends and colleagues many times and I know this sick feeling. I’m sorry for forcing you to pass it, but otherwise it was simply impossible. In particular, I would like to apologize to my wife for the hell she went through these two days. Olechka, I’m so sorry. There were no other options. I would very much like to thank the SSU for saving my life. I do not know what I may tell right now and may not. However, as far as I know, this operation was being prepared for two months. I was initiated into the operation a month ago. During this month, the officers worked, they snouted and went into overdrive. Whole month we have been in touch, thought, worked through and acted. As a result there was a special operation, according to which the person has been detained today. He is already in custody. (...) The crime is completed and proven. All the evidence is here, and foremost my life was saved. Thank you again. Other larger, more serious terrorist attacks were prevented as well. There, people were preparing seriously,» Babchenko said.

On the evening May 29, there was attempted murder of journalist Arkady Babchenko at his home. The police reported on shots in Babchenko’s back.