In Sochi, investigators resume inquiry into Nikolai Yarst's case

The Investigating Division of the Sochi UVD (Interior Department) has resumed investigative actions on the case of the journalist Nikolai Yarst, said the lawyer Alexander Popkov.

Let us remind you that Nikolai Yarst was detained in Sochi on May 23, along with his colleague Philip Vasilenko, when UVD agents found some package with a substance gray-green colour from their car. Yarst was charged with illegal possession of narcotic drugs.

"The investigator of the Tsentralny District of Sochi Liana Khachatryan said that on June 25 the investigation into the case of Nikolai Yarst was reopened," the "Interfax" quotes today Alexander Popkov as saying.

The lawyer has noted that the investigation was resumed for the second time.

According to his story, earlier the defence had asked to stop the case, to question a number of policemen who had not been interrogated, and question a number of other witnesses, the RIA "Novosti" reports.

So far, the officials of the above Investigating Division made no comments on the restart of the investigation.

The journalist Yarst rejects all the accusations and associates his persecution with his professional activities, in particular, with the case of a missing girl.