20:27, 29 November 2013

Krasnodar court extends Savva's arrest for two more months

Mikhail Savva at the court, Krasnodar, November 2013. Photo by Olga Zazulya, http://www.hro.org./node/17924/

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that the Pervomaisky District Court of Krasnodar has ruled to extend the custody of Mikhail Savva, the director of grant programmes of the Southern Regional Resource Centre (SRRC).

Let us remind you that Professor Michail Savva from the Kuban State University was detained on April 12 and charged with embezzlement of about 360,000 roubles. Besides, according to investigators, Mr Savva received payment for fictitious lessons at the university. Mikhail Savva denies all the allegations.

At the today's session, the judge has ruled to extend Mikhail Savva's custody till January 30.

Marina Dubrovina, Savva's advocate, has stated that she would appeal against the ruling. The defendant himself, as she said, had no idea to hide and would prove his innocence before the court, the "Interfax" reports.

Let us remind you that the Human Rights Watch had earlier claimed political motives for prosecuting Mikhail Savva.

Author: Natalia Dorokhina

Source: CK correspondent