Trial on the case of bus explosion in Nevinnomyssk starts in Stavropol krai

Today, the Stavropol krai court started hearings on the criminal case of organizing an explosion in a regular bus in December 2007 in Nevinnomyssk, in which three passengers were killed and 17 wounded.

On July 10, the case was referred to Stavropol krai court  and the first hearing was to start on August 4, but it was adjourned due to the failure of one of the defendants' lawyers to attend.

"Interfax-Yug" reports, with reference to the krai court press-service, that during the first hearing the state prosecutor made public the text of the charge laid to the defendants. Also the court started interrogating the defendants. The criminal case is considered by a panel of three judges.

The NTV channel reports that no special security measures around the court building have been taken, however, the cameramen in the court room were asked not to make records of the judges and the victims.

In the dock are Ruslan Kostoyev and Zurab Tsuroyev, residents of Ingushetia. They face life sentences. According to ITAR-TASS, the preliminary pre-trial investigation has proved that  the defendants triggered the remote control explosive device which they had brought to the bus and which contained fragmented nails and screws for enhancing the damage effect.