A medical scientist has been accused of state treason over publications in scientific journals.

In St Petersburg, medical scientist Alexei Dudarev has been charged with state treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code) over publications in journals that “could have been read by Norwegian intelligence.” This was reported by ‘First Department.’

Dudarev, the lead research fellow at the Northwest Scientific Centre for Hygiene and Public Health of Rospotrebnadzor and Doctor of Medical Sciences, has been sent to a pre-trial detention centre at least until 13 March.

The scientist was detained on 14 January on his way to work. According to First Department, the charges are based on Dudarev’s publications as a co-author in open international scientific journals of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). This programme operates under the Arctic Council, a high-level intergovernmental forum which also includes Russia. The investigation claims that information from these scientific publications could have been used by Norwegian intelligence.

The scientist himself does not admit guilt. Dudarev’s son said his father has worked solely in scientific research for many years: writing articles for Russian and international journals, taking part in conferences, and studying health issues affecting northern peoples. He noted that his father has never had access to state secrets.