Nalchik court liberates suspected militants' helper

Today, the Nalchik City Court has issued a conditional sentence to Elvira Khakhundokova, accused of aiding the militant leader Yuri Bitsuev. She was released in the courtroom, said Zaur Shomakhov, her advocate.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported referring to investigators that Khakhundokova provided her housing to Bitsuev, fed him and washed his clothes. She was charged under Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code (aiding members of illegal armed formations (IAFs)). On March 15, the commission on adaptation of militants to peaceful life decided to ask the court for leniency in relation to Khakhundokova.

Finally, Elvira Khakhundokova was sentenced to five years of imprisonment with a four-year suspension of enforcement of the verdict and was set free in the courtroom. If during four years she does not break the law, she will be exempted from further punishment, the advocate told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his version, the Khakhundokova's case was reviewed in a special order, without a judicial investigation, because she has fully admitted her guilt and repented. "I and my client are satisfied with the court judgement; they treated Khakhundokova very humanely," said Zaur Shomakhov.

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