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Meduza news chief editor steps down amid sexual harassment accusations

Ivan Kolpakov, Editor-in-Chief of the Meduza Russian-language news website, has announced that he is leaving his post following accusations against him coming from a co-worker’s wife

MOSCOW, November 9. /TASS/. Ivan Kolpakov, Editor-in-Chief of the Meduza Russian-language news website, has announced that he is leaving his post following accusations against him coming from a co-worker’s wife.

"Meduza’s Editor-in-Chief Ivan Kolpakov has announced his resignation," the report said.

According to the news website, the reason behind his move was Kolpakov’s inappropriate behavior towards one of the guests at a staff party. He was dismissed for the period of the probe into the incident. On November 6, Meduza reported that a decision had been made to let Kolpakov stay in office.

"This is the only way to stop the crisis around the editorial board and minimize the reputational damage," Kolpakov was quoted as saying.

Former Managing Editor Tatiana Yershova has been named acting chief editor, Meduza reported. "I appointed Tatyana Yershova as Meduza’s Acting Editor-in-Chief. I will offer her candidacy to the Board of Directors, and I think that the board will endorse her appointment," Kolpakov later wrote on Facebook.

Kolpakov said that he categorically denied the sexual harassment accusations. "However, I found myself in a situation where it is impossible and pointless to defend myself," he added.