“Attempting to hold everybody in leash”

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine has sent defense witnesses’ interrogation minutes to Chechnya at the request of Russia’s Investigatory Committee. The refusal to file these documents means that the pro-Ukrainian evidence of Mykola Karpiuk and Stanislav Klykh, whom Russia absurdly accuses of taking part in the first Chechen war, will not be read out at the court session and, accordingly, the jury trial will be unable to take them into account.

Besides, another criminal case was opened against Stanislav Klykh, who has health problems, for insulting the public prosecutor. Moreover, the defense attorney has learned that the case is being actively investigated.

COMMENTARY

Maria TOMAK, coordinator, campaign Let My People Go:

“There would have been more chances for Ukrainian materials to be filed if they had been submitted at the stage of pretrial investigation. But, as far as I can see, there were no grounds to reject them in this situation. And it is impossible to make a complaint against this now. These materials will perhaps be filed when the appeal has been lodged.

“No one knows when defense witnesses will speak in Grozny. It is planned to let them speak, but this will not be publicized broadly. The defense side is taking a very cautious approach to this matter, for there have been incessant provocations aimed at thwarting the testimony of these witnesses. As for new proceedings against Stanislav Klykh, I think it is one more attempt to hold everybody in leash and control the situation as much as possible. Stanislav is held in custody now. But if the court suddenly chooses to acquit him, he may be given some kind of pretrial treatment as part of a new case.

“The judge’s behavior is beneath criticism. Klykh seems to be suffering from mental instability, to say the least, so it is clear why he behaves so. Earlier this week, his lawyer Marina Dubrovina requested to file the conclusion of an independent expert who had heard the courtroom recording and called into question the Grozny expert examination that pronounced Klykh healthy. Should this document be filed, the defense lawyer will be able to plead for an independent expert examination. The court is to decide on this matter later this week.”