23:00, 2 January 2012

Sochi: rights defender Basmanov released from custody

Today in Sochi, a human rights activist Sergey Basmanov has been set free after his 10-day arrest for disobeying the police.

On December 23, 2011, Sergey Basmanov was put in jail – following the court ruling – for 10 days. On December 30, 2011, a judge of the Khosta District Court rejected Basmanov's complaint against his arrest.

Mr Basmanov was detained on December 10 in the course of a protest action against the fraudulent elections. After detention, he was brought before Judicial Precinct No. 98, where he was charged with disobeying the police of December 4 at one of the polling stations, where Russian State Duma Deputies were elected, and with hiding from investigators.

According to Basmanov, he was at the polling station as an observer at the election of State Duma Deputies and tried to stop violations at polling station No. 45-21, associated with illegal lottery.

He announced his intention to appeal against the actions of the policemen, who had detained him.

Author: Svetlana Kravchenko

Source: CK correspondent