A Cossack who supports Alexei Navalny sentenced to compulsory community service

After being detained at a rally in Krasnodar, Cossack Yevgeny Panchuk, who supported Alexei Navalny, has been sentenced to 20 hours of compulsory community service.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 7, about 200 supporters of Alexei Navalny gathered near the building of the administration for the Krasnodar Territory and demanded a meeting with the Governor. As a result of the action, 30 people were detained, including Cossack Yevgeny Panchuk, who was beaten. The police began to detain activists after provocateurs started a fight in the crowd of protesters.

Today, the Pervomaisky District Court of Krasnodar has sentenced Yevgeny Panchuk to punishment in the form of 20 hours of compulsory community service.

After the trial, the Cossack declared he would not challenge the Court's decision. "It makes no sense. This is the minimum punishment. If I challenge it, they will pronounce tougher verdict," said Yevgeny Panchuk as quoted by the "Yuga.Ru".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Cossack Yevgeny Panchuk spoke in support of Alexei Navalny yet on April 15. He said that Cossacks were asked to block the opening of the Alexei Navalny's office in Krasnodar. Besides, the Cossack criticized the President Putin's policy. After his speech, Yevgeny Panchuk was expelled from the Kuban Cossack Army.

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