Russian journalist sets herself on fire and dies after police search

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By Associated Press
Irina Slavina poses for a photo, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.
Irina Slavina poses for a photo, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.   -  Copyright  AP Photo

The editor of a Russian news website died after setting herself on fire outside a regional police headquarters Friday, a day after officers searched her residence.

Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed the death of Kolza.Press editor Irina Slavina in Nizhny Novgorod, a city of 1.2 million about 380 kilometres east of Moscow.

Slavina reported on Thursday that her home was searched by police, although the nature of the search was not clear.

The independent news site Meduza reported that Slavina left a message on Facebook saying her death should be blamed on Russian authorities.