Initial Request

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06535330
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: July 11, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 17, 2022
• Case Number: F-2016-01363
• Publication Date: March 11, 2016

Approved for Release: 2022/02/17 C06535330
-T2-201 (D
Jeremy Bigwood
Investigative Journalist and Photojournalist
EXPEDITED FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST
Mikhail Lesin in Dupont Circle, November 5, 2015
Information and Privacy Coordinator
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Dear FOIA/MDR officer
In my capacity as an investigative journalist I am writing your office to request the
release of records through an expedited FOIA request. I seek any and all records,
irrespective of media, regarding:
Mikhail Yuriyevich Lesin (Russian: Mmxamn Epbesmu
Aeomm; July 11, 1958 - November 5, 2015). Lesin, the head
of RT, the controversial Russian-American television
network, died in a Dupont Circle hotel November 5, 2015.
There has been speculation as to the cause of death.
I would like this request to be made under my "representative of the news media"
status, which can be attested to by Googling my name or visiting the following Internet
URL:
http://www.in theset mes.com/community/profile/3543/
If you have any questions about this request or foresee problems in fully
releasing the requested records within the twenty day period, feel free to call me within
that time period. I can be reached on my cell at Please send the hard (b)(6)
copies of the requested documents to the above address or digitized versions to me at
my e-mail which is: (b)(6)
In order to request that a FOIA request be expedited, the requester must show
"compelling need". "Compelling need' in this case is "with respect to a request made by
a person primarily engaged in disseminating information, urgency to inform the public
concerning actual or alleged Federal government activity."
In this case, the actual or alleged Federal government activity is its activities
regarding Mikhail Lesin.
I am primarily engaged in disseminating information. I intend to inform the public
through a variety of media.
Approved for Release: 2022/02/17 006535330
Approved for Release: 2022/02/17 C06535330
Jeremy Bigwood
Investigative Journalist and Photojournalist
Thank you for your consideration of this request. As applicable Agency
regulations provide, twill anticipate your determination within ten (10) calendar days as
stipulated by �552(a)(6)(E)(ii)(I).
Under penalty of perjury, I hereby affirm that the foregoing is true and correct to
the best of my knowledge and belief as stipulated by �552(a)(6)(E)(vi).
Sincerely,
(b)(6)
(b)(6
Approved for Release: 2022/02/17 C06535330
Pepodsui pue
9[07; u L
peuedo pusH
MAR 1
Information and Privacy Coordinator
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Approved for Release: 2022/02/17 C06535330