Witness argues with Titiev's defence on acquaintance with law enforcers

Today, at the trial of Oyub Titiev, the head of Grozny representative office of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", Yusup Shakhgeriev, a policeman, stated that he knew nobody from the direct-action team. An advocate of Oyub Titiev has objected that he personally saw the witness handshaking with the group.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Shali City Court is considering Oyub Titiev's case since July 19 this year.

Today, the court session began at 10:18 a.m. Moscow time. It began with the interrogation of Yusup Shakhgeriev, who is an inspector of the mobile platoon of the Kurchaloi ROVD (District Interior Division). The witness stated that he does no know Titiev, but saw videos with him on the Internet. According to his story, he did not take part in the detention and other special actions related to Titiev.

Yusup Shakhgeriev also noted that he knows the meaning of the abbreviation GBR (meaning "direct-reaction team"), but does not know people who wear camouflage uniforms with such an emblem.

"Today, in front of the courthouse, you shook hands with two men in uniform with GBR emblems; I saw, as I followed you," said Pyotr Zaikin, one of the advocates.

The witness has denied this fact, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 27, 2018 at 12:45 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.