In Kabardino-Balkaria, judge rules to force victims to participate in trial against defendants, accused of robberies

On August 16, the Supreme Court of Kabardino-Balkaria started the trial on the case of robbery attacks on families, living in different dwelling settlements across the republic. There are 11 defendants in the case, and they face a sentence of 7-15 years of imprisonment.

The dock contains Mukhamed Zhemukhov, Aslan Duduev, Alim Pekov, Beslan Abazov, Ruslan Gergov, Renat Molov, Aslan Kardanov, Marat Kazanov, Zalim Khazhirokov, Alik Shebzukhov, and Timur Bichoev. Marat Pekov, one more member of the grouping, was put on the wanted list. His case was formed in separate proceedings.

According to the information, received from the lawyers of the defendants, the latter are 23-25 years old. All of them are residents of the village of Dugulubgei of the Baksan District, and they have no earlier criminal records. Some of them were professional athletes. None of the defendants was registered with psychiatrist, and the defendants found mentally sane. They were not involved in armed underground.

According to the indictment, which contains 20 volumes, starting from later 2009 and till the moment of their detention, the above mentioned persons committed from mercenary motives a series of assaults on residents of the republic. Investigator collected evidence on six episodes.

In total, the case includes 43 victims and 41 witnesses. In the event if the guilt of the defendants is proved, they will face a sentence of 7-15 years of imprisonment.

10 victims were summoned to the court session, held on August 16 and chaired by Judge Albert Betsukov; however, none of the victims appeared in the courtroom. The court made a decision to force them to appear at the court session, scheduled for September 7.