HRC "Memorial" explains why Geriev was recognised to be political prisoner
The court ignores the testimonies, which refute the investigators' version with regard to Zhalaudi Geriev, a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, believes Oleg Orlov, the head of the programme "Hotspots" of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial". The case against the journalist had been fabricated; while the independent journalism in Chechnya is a factor of threat, said Sergey Davidis, the head of the programme of supporting political prisoners of the HRC "Memorial".
On September 5, the court in Chechnya sentenced Geriev to three years in prison on charges of keeping marijuana. On October 17, the HRC "Memorial" recognized Geriev as a political prisoner.
The petition in support of Geriev was posted on the "Change.org" platform; to date it has gathered over 23,500 signatures.
"It is clear that the case had been falsified; while the fact of possessing drugs was absolutely not proved," said Davidis.
"During the investigation, he was threatened and exerted with pressure; the physical pressure is not excluded," said Orlov. He is sure that there is no evidence of the journalist's guilt.
Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.
Source: CK correspondent