In Nalchik, Court refuses to release Aslan Iritov

The term of house arrest for Aslan Iritov, the leader of the NGO "Volny Aul" has been extended for two months, despite the protest of the activist, his advocate reports today.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 13, 2017, Aslan Iritov, the leader of the NGO "Volny Aul", and his brother, suspected of beating policemen, were placed under house arrest, but on December 3, 2017, they were taken into custody. On the other day, on December 4, the Nalchik City Court pronounced the decision to take the Iritov brothers under house arrest until January 30.

On January 17, the Nalchik City Court extended the term of detention under house arrest for Aslan Iritov for two months, until late March. This has been learned today by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from Inna Golitsyna, an advocate of the activist.

The Court has explained its decision by the need to conduct investigating actions, question witnesses, and carry out confrontations and examinations. According to the Court, being at large, Aslan Iritov can influence the course of the investigation, the advocate has reported.

"During the court session, Aslan Iritov himself has said he believes his arrest was made by an order, since his restriction on freedom of movement and communication violates his rights. Meanwhile, the investigators do not deny they have revealed no Aslan Iritov's attempts to put pressure on witnesses and other attempts to obstruct the investigation," Inna Golitsyna has explained.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.