In Stavropol, relatives of suspect of massacre hold protest rally and prepare one more

Friends and relatives of Roman Gubarev, one of the main suspects of murdering in Stavropol on January 21 of Vladimir Slizaev, also known as "Khan", and seven other persons, refuse to believe in his guilt. They have already held an unsanctioned rally in his defence, and prepare a new one, this time sanctioned by the authorities.

It has become known that Roman Gubarev, who worked as a driver for Slizaev, was suspected of that crime; and on January 28, the Lenin District Court placed Gubarev in custody. Investigators announced that the crime was committed out of greed - after the murder Gubarev and his accomplice stole money and jewellery from the house. According to the inquiry, Gubarev confessed of the murder; there is a second suspect but his name was not revealed.

Roman Gubarev's relatives and friends do not believe in his guilt. On February 1, they held a rally in his support and intend to defend their stand still further. The rally held near Gubarev's house was attended by about 100 persons, the RIA "Novosti" reports.

The relatives assert that Gubarev is not allowed to be visited by the advocates they had hired.

Andrei Gubarev, Roman's brother, said that their parents went on February 1 to ask help from Alexei Selyukov, Ombudsman for the Stavropol Territory. "We're going to complain and go to the end. The house of Roman and Inna is searched all the time," said Andrei Gubarev.

Roman's wife Inna Gubareva argues that her husband has an alibi, but investigators would not listen to her evidences. "Before lunch we were at home; then - till late at night - with my parents. There, we were told by the phone about what had happened. My parents gave evidences, but inspectors say that relatives are no witnesses," said Inna Gubarev as quoted by the State Television and Radio Company (STRC) "Stavropolye".

Meanwhile, a lady-friend of the casualty said that she had seen Gubarev close to Slizaev's house shortly before the murder.

Roman Gubarev's relatives have announced their intention to hold an official rally in his support, sanctioned by the authorities. They have already applied to this end to the city mayoralty.