Strelkov asked for house arrest: “There is nothing to do abroad”

Girkin recalled at the trial that he was sentenced to life imprisonment

On Tuesday, a meeting was held in the capital’s Basmanny Court to extend the preventive measure for politician Igor Strelkov (Girkin). He was arrested on June 21 on charges of extremism.

As a MK reporter reported from the courtroom, Strelkov sat through almost the entire hearing with his arms crossed over his chest. He willingly posed for cameras and answered the judge’s questions calmly.

The investigator asked to hold the meeting behind closed doors, citing the fact that a medical report from the pre-trial detention center containing information constituting a medical secret was attached to the case. The judge refused.

In requesting an extension of the arrest, the investigator recalled that Strelkov has the skills of conspiracy, can hide from court, and destroy evidence. Therefore, the investigator supported the prosecution’s request to extend the detention for at least 3 months.

In turn, Strelkov’s lawyers presented numerous letters of gratitude addressed to the client at the meeting. For example, gratitude from the State Budgetary Institution of the Central Clinical Hospital of Donetsk for support, gratitude from military units, from the Youth Union, a charitable foundation, an organization of disabled people.

The lawyer also asked to include a copy of the certificates for the Order of Courage and the Suvorov Medal.

The lawyer asked to change the measure of restraint to house arrest. Girkin himself supported this request, citing poor health. “I don’t see any possibility of hiding, I am wanted by Interpol, sentenced to life imprisonment by the International Criminal Court, there is nothing to do abroad, and the option of hiding in Russia is not even being considered,” the accused added, explaining that this would be an admission of guilt, but he doesn’t recognize her.

At the time of writing this material, the court retired for a meeting. Meanwhile, in the corridor, Girkin’s supporters are signing a petition asking for a larger hall for the next meeting, since this time almost no one except the press entered the room.