Listeners outraged by closure of blogger Kharchenko*'s trial

Despite the defence's protest, a court in Gelendjik has ruled, at the request of the suffered party and the prosecution, to conduct the trial of Vadim Kharchenko*, a blogger, behind closed doors. Visitors to the court believe that this ruling is intended to conceal the absence of proofs for the presented charges and case falsifications.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Vadim Kharchenko*, the author of the YouTube channel "Personal Opinion", has declared his innocence and the fact that he was prosecuted for criticizing corrupt officials.

"The ban on journalists only shows that people don't want the truth to emerge, so that Russia can see how I am being tried under a pre-fabricated case. That is why they are trying to close the trial," Mr Kharchenko* has stated.

The court openness and accessibility are proclaimed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Alexei Vozbranny, an advocate, has stated.

The court ruling has caused indignation among the audience; two women burst into tears as they left the courtroom.

"I am Vadim's friend, I think that he is kept in jail illegally," said one of the women, Natalia. "He expressed his personal opinion. Someone just didn't like this opinion, and they decided to punish him, but don't we have the freedom of speech?" she has asked.

Alexander, a local resident, said that the blogger had helped many people, including residents of the dwelling settlement.

Roman came to the court session for the second time. "I know Vadim; I have followed his activities for many years and I respect him very much. He is a very decent person," he has stated adding that in his opinion, the blogger is being persecuted for his social activities.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.