Witness of pensioners' rally in Sochi retracts his testimony

Margarita Markelova, who was found guilty of organizing the rally of pensioners in Sochi, filed a complaint against the verdict. Igor Gorbuntsov, a city resident, whose statements became the basis for the evidence against Margarita Markelova in the case materials, stated that he had not told the police anything about the woman.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 15, Sochi pensioners gathered in front of the City Mayor's Office and blocked the street. They demanded to return their benefits for public transport. On February 19, 70-year-old Margarita Markelova was found guilty of organizing the rally. The woman pleads not guilty.

On March 1, Margarita Markelova filed a complaint against the court's decision.

According to the pensioner, prior to filing a complaint, she examined in details the materials of the case and "did not find there a protocol on administrative offense."

"However, I encountered the names of people unknown for me. They were questioned by the district police inspector and gave him explanations on the facts of the gathering of pensioners in front of the City Mayor's Office on January 15. However, they did not tell or write the police any word about me, but for one of them Igor Gorbuntsov," the woman has said.

Margarita Markelova argues that she has never met the man earlier and that his statements are false.

Igor Gorbuntsov has confirmed to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he gave testimony to the policeman about the rally, since on January 15, he appeared near the place of the protest action. However, according to Igor Gorbuntsov, he did not tell the police anything about Margarita Markelova.

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