"Caucasian Knot" correspondent Zhalaudi Geriev sentenced in Chechnya

The Shali District Court of Chechnya sentenced journalist Zhalaudi Geriev, who collaborates with the "Caucasian Knot", to three years in prison on charges of drug possession. The defense claims that the prosecution's statement lacked evidence in the court.

Zhalaudi Geriev was arrested on April 16. A criminal case under part 2 of article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code (trafficking in narcotic drugs on a large scale), providing for penalties of up to ten years in prison, was initiated against him.

The trial began on June 14, Geriev's lawyer Alaudi Musaev told the "Caucasian Knot". During the debate on August 31, the prosecutor requested for Geriev five years in prison and one year of restraint of liberty.

According to the lawyer, during the investigation Zhalaudi Geriev confessed, yet refused his evidence in the court and said that it had been given under pressure.

The lawyer Alaudi Musaev believes that Geriev's case has multiple violations of criminal procedure. He explained that there are significant gaps and flaws in the preparation of procedural documents, including inspection reports on the crime scene and Geriev's interrogation.

The advocate noted that it follows from the case that Geriev did not use narcotic and psychotropic drugs. He also added that there were no eyewitnesses of Geriev committing crimes.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.