In Krasnodar, Mikhail Savva's defence challenges extension of his custody

The defence of the arrested Professor Mikhail Savva has appealed against the decision of the court made on June 5 to extend his custody, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Let us remind you that Professor Mikhail Savva from the Kuban State University, the director of grant programmes of the Southern Regional Resource Centre, was detained on April 12; and on April 13 he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in embezzlement of budgetary funds allocated by the territorial administration in the form of a grant. Mikhail Savva pleads not guilty. On May 14, it became known that Professor saw a new charge of a fraud.

On June 5, the Oktiabrskiy District Court of Krasnodar ruled to extend – at the request of the investigation – Mr Savva's arrest till August 11. The ruling was motivated by the fact that while at large the professor could impede the inquiry and continue his criminal activities.

Mikhail Savva and his advocates believe that there is no need to keep him in custody throughout the investigation; and his freedom can be restricted in some other way.

The Krasnodar Territorial Court has appointed the consideration of the complaint for Monday, June 17.