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Lebedev’s lawyers apply for interrogation of Novaya Gazeta editor

Prosecution asked for some time to study the applications

ARKHANGELSK, September 16 (Itar-Tass) — The Arkhangelsk Regional Court starts considering cassation appeal of Platon Lebedev regarding Velsk’s Court turning down of his parole application.

The defence has presented three petitions, including that for interrogation of the Novaya Gazeta’s chief editor, Dmitry Muratov, who had arrived in Arkhangelsk. Earlier, he presented a bail for Lebedev, having promised to employ him as an economy observer in the newspaper.

Besides, the defence insists on filing a document from the Velsk colony, which proves that Platon Lebedev has been working there. Another application, the defence presents, refers to the scientific expertise of the decision, which Judge Raspopov had made. The expertise was made by the Independent Legal-Expert Council, which came to the conclusion that the decision of the Velsk Court contradicts with several provisions of Russia’s Constitution and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Prosecution asked for some time to study the applications.

Chairing Judge Igor Kharitonov promised he would not apply time limits for participants in the court hearings.

“If we do not manage today, we shall continue the work on September 19,” he said.