Astrakhan: case of beating journalists closed on limitation expiry

In Astrakhan, the today's court session has ruled to stop the criminal prosecution of the Deputy of the Astrakhan Region Duma Rifkat Shabanov, suspected of beating journalists and impeding their professional activities.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 15, 2011, Magistrate Judge N. Kuzichkina considered the petition of the victim Vyacheslav Yaschenko who had challenged the judge. The journalist had doubted her impartiality. The challenge was supported by the state prosecutor. The victim's petition was satisfied; and the case was sent to the chairman of the Soviet District Court of Astrakhan, from where it was forwarded to the magistrate court.

Judge Alexei Usynin was appointed to consider the case. The hearings were scheduled for January 10 and 17, but both were cancelled because the defendant was sick.

The interests Rifkat Shabanov were defended, according to the order-appointment of the Bar of the Soviet District of Astrakhan, by the advocate Nellya Mukhtarova.

In the course of today's session, after a consultation of the defendant with the lawyer, the prosecution party petitioned to the judge on termination of the criminal prosecution because of limitation period expiry.

The judge adjourned until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, after which satisfied the defendant's petition.