15:00, 31 August 2011

Agafonov's family asks state protection; Mirzaev's girlfriend complains of threats

The family of Ivan Agafonov, 19, who died from a punch of Rasul Mirzaev, a native of Dagestan and world champion in mixed martial arts, asked investigators for protection. The athlete's advocate Igor Dergachov argues that Rasul Mirzaev's girlfriend is threatened; and "there are grounds to believe that witnesses may occur under pressure."

"Yesterday the office of the investigatory division received an application from Mirzaev's parents asking to provide them with state protection," Igor Trunov, the advocate for the victims, said today at the Moscow City Court, as quoted by the "Interfax".

In his turn Igor Dergachov, Mirzaev's advocate, said that the athlete's girlfriend, who was the reason of Mirzaev's conflict with Ivan Agafonov, received threats via social networks and by phone. The lawyer said that the girl was forced to move out of her house, fearing that threats may be implemented.

"At present, the investigation is considering her petition for measures of state protection," Mr Dergachov has added.