Chechnya starts court hearings in case against members of UNA-UNSO

Nikolai Karpyuk and Stanislav Klykh, citizens of Ukraine, accused of involvement in the combat actions in the territory of Chechnya, face trial. Advocates expect to prove their innocence to the jury.

The Chief Investigating Department for the North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD) of the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) charges Nikolai Karpyuk and Stanislav Klykh with the killing of 30 soldiers and attempt on 15 other soldiers, committed in the capital of Chechnya in the period from December 31, 1994, to January 5, 1995, when the defendants were members of the grouping "Viking", the "Kommersant" reports today with reference to the ICRF.

According to the ICRF, the "Viking" fighters tortured captured soldiers. Besides, according to the materials of the criminal case, Nikolai Karpyuk took part in the execution of 11 captured soldiers.

The defenders insist Nikolai Karpyuk and Stanislav Klykh are not guilty.

"My client Stanislav Klykh has never been to Chechnya. His only fault is in the fact that in 1991, being a student of the Historical Faculty of the University of Kiev, he joined the UNA-UNSO," noted advocate Marina Dubrovina.

On September 11, Marina Dubrovina stated that law enforcers tortured her client to force him to plead guilty and defame other members of the organization.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.