After detention at picket, Seda Suleimanova's friend complains about non-admission of advocate

Elena Patyaeva, a Seda Suleimanova's friend, has stated that she was not allowed to see her advocate after she was detained at her solo picket, and this has violated her right to defence.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on January 31, the court sentenced Elena Patyaeva to 20 hours of compulsory works, treating her picket held on a bridge in Saint Petersburg as an unsanctioned public action.

Elena Patyaeva has noted that even among policemen there were those who were sympathetic to her. "In principle, my actions are in support of my friend; and people of different political views understand this," she has added.

According to the Russian Constitution, public actions, including pickets, can be held in any place at the request of the organizers, Vladimir Vasilenko, a lawyer, has explained.

"But the interpretation of the law can be different ... On the bridge, Patyaeva didn’t interfere with the traffic or pedestrians. It goes without saying that Patyaeva couldn’t damage any road and transport infrastructure in Saint Petersburg," he has added.

However, according to his story, legislators have limited the venues for holding actions. Authorities can interpret the law in their favour in connection with the events that are advantageous to them. "The singer Shaman held his action near the US Embassy in Moscow. I made a request: why are public events being held? They are still limited due to anti-Covid measures in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. But the Mayoralty told me that it was not a public, but a cultural and mass event. And such events don’t fall under the law," Mr Vasilenko has stated.

Let us remind you that on January 13, it became known that Patyaeva had complained to the Russian General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) about the inaction of the Chechen investigating bodies engaged in the inquiry into Suleimanova’s disappearance.