Court intends to question Mayor of Grozny on case "Kadyrov vs. Orlov"

The Khamovniki Moscow Court began its consideration of the appeal of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, against the acquittal of Oleg Orlov, the head of the HRC "Memorial".

On October 4 in the court of appeal Oleg Orlov, the head of the HRC "Memorial" once again made a statement pleading not guilty on charges of slandering Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

As far as the plaintiff is concerned, the leader of the Chechen Republic failed to appear at the hearing, live video bridge with the city of Grozny was also absent. Kadyrov's interests were represented in the court by his lawyer Andrei Krasnenkov, who stated that "the leader of Chechnya strongly disagree with the acquittal"; however, being very busy, he could not attend the court session.

"Ramzan Akhmatovich is very busy, he had nothing to add to the testimony given earlier," said Andrei Krasnenkov.

In turn, lawyer Genry Reznik, the defender of Oleg Orlov, called the materials of appeal representations "hackwork".

"The case entirely inadequate for the consideration was brought to the court. The Orlov's saying contained no allegations of Kadyrov's involvement in crimes," stated the lawyer.

Having listened to the parties, the court of appeal announces the list of witnesses who would be repeatedly summoned for questioning. The group of witnesses includes several employees of the HRC "Memorial" and Muslim Khuchiev, Mayor of the city of Grozny.