Sochi journalist Nikolai Yarst released under recognizance not to leave

On December 3, Liana Khachatryan, an investigator of the Tsentralny ROVD (District Interior Division) of Sochi changed the freedom restriction measure of the local journalist Nikolai Yarst from home arrest into recognizance not to leave.

Let us remind you that on October 2 the Tsentralny District Court of Sochi extended, on investigators' request, Mr Yarst's home arrest until December 3.

Alexander Popkov, the journalist's advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the indictment had been sent back to the investigator for revision for three times. According to the lawyer, the change of the freedom restriction measure "still means nothing."

For the first time after six months Nikolai Yarst is able now to communicate with his colleagues and go out.

"For half a year of home arrest I suffered a heavy psychological trauma. It's intolerable to know that you are innocent but deprived of liberty; and your accusation is all far-fetched," Nikolai told.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Nikolai Yarst, a journalist of the "Public Television of Russia", was detained in Sochi on May 23 this year. According to investigators, a package with drugs was found by UVD (Interior Department) agents in the car, where Yarst was with his colleague. Nikolai rejects the charges of drug possession and associates his persecution with his professional activities, in particular, with his investigative journalism.