In Nalchik, at trial of journalist Igor Tsagoev, defendant claims being not involved in money theft

Actions of journalist Igor Tsagoev should not be considered as a robbery. This was stated by a representative of the prosecution during the debate at the trial on the case against the journalist. The very fact of the availability of money, of which stealing the journalist is accused, is uncertain. This was stated by public defender of Igor Tsagoev.

In his final speech, the journalist has admitted his guilt in inflicting bodily harm to the victim; however, he has denied charge of stealing other people's money.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Igor Tsagoev is charged of robbery committed on January 13, 2000. The victim Madina Uyanova claims that the defendant entered her apartment, hit her on the head and stole 1950 US dollars.

Bella Ulbasheva, a prosecutor of the Nalchik City Prosecutor's Office, has stated that investigators failed to classify the actions of Igor Tsagoev. According to her version, the defendant is to be found guilty under Part 1 of Article 155 "Inflicting bodily harm" and Paragraph 2 of Part 2 of Article 158 "Stealing other people's property", and the defendant is to be released from criminal responsibility since the crime had been committed long time ago.

In her speech, Natalia Yusupova, the public defender of Igor Tsagoev, has emphasized that the defendant had no any intention or mercenary motive.

Advocate Nikolai Karachaev has emphasized that during the preliminary investigation, Igor Tsagoev declared his willingness to undergo psycho-physiological study on polygraph; however, investigators dismissed his request.

The verdict is expected to be announced on September 2.