Chamber of Advocates of Stavropol Territory supports demands of Ingush activists’ defence

Advocate Alexander Michev, appointed by court to represent the interests of Ingush activist Musa Malsagov, did not take sufficient steps to refuse to participate in the trial, violated lawyer’s ethics and broke the law on advocacy. This was stated by the Qualification Commission of the Chamber of Advocates of the Stavropol Territory, agreeing with the position of the defence of the Ingush activists.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that since January 13, in the Stavropol Territory, the court has been considering the appeals filed against the verdicts to seven protest leaders in Magas. On April 27, the Ingush activists demanded the removal of the appointed advocates. Musa Malsagov said that, in his opinion, Alexander Michev, an advocate assigned to him, was in collusion with the court.

Advocate Magomed Bekov, representing the interests of Musa Malsagov, pointed out the inadmissibility of defence by appointed advocates “along with advocates who defend the same persons on the basis of an agreement.”

Alexander Michev explained that he considered it impossible to leave the courtroom or not appear in court, given the difficult situation, as that would be a manifestation of disrespect for the judiciary and the composition of the Stavropol Territorial Court considering the case.

The Qualification Commission of the Chamber of Advocates of the Stavropol Territory found in Alexander Michev’s actions the violations of the Law on Advocacy and the Lawyer’s Code of Professional Ethics. In particular, Alexander Michev did not demonstrate due activity and did not file a motion for his removal, although there were grounds for that.