Trial of attack on Nalchik postponed till June 16

At the trial on events of October 13, 2005, held by the Supreme Court of Kabardino-Balkaria, under a petition lodged by defendant Kanshoubi Boriev, whose father died, a break was announced till tomorrow, June 16.

Mr Boriev also asked to convoy him to the Terskiy District, where his father lived, to say his farewell to the deceased. Advocates have supported the defendant's petition.

The court made an in situ consultation and satisfied the petition to postpone the session "because of the defendant's psycho-emotional condition." As to convoying him to the funeral, the presiding judge Galina Gorislavskaya promised to make a decision later after clearing technical issues and notify the defendant.

Today, the court has also discussed the statement of advocate Anatoly Kunizhev who asked to challenge state accuser Saikova, who admitted, in the opinion of the advocate, during the previous session, her frank personal interest at interrogation of one of the witnesses.

"Saikova suggested to the court to hold identification of defendant Tokhov right in the courtroom," explained Mr Kunizhev and treated this fact as a "frank neglect of the law."

Advocate Kunizhev was supported by Tokhov and some other defendants. Rasul Kudaev declared also challenge to state accuser Nadbitova, who, in his opinion, prompts witnesses to answer by means of gestures, nods with the head and suggestive questions.

The court retired for consultation; and then, referring to provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, rejected the challenge petitions of the above state accusers.