Kastrubin: defence to appeal against verdict to Rostov blogger Sergey Reznik

The defence intends to challenge the verdict passed today to Sergey Reznik, a blogger and journalist from Rostov-on-Don, who was sentenced to 1.5 years at a general security colony, said his advocate Yuri Kastrubin.

Let us remind you that last November Sergey Reznik, who had announced threats addressed to him, became a figurant of a criminal case opened under several articles of the Criminal Code, namely, "commercial bribery", "knowingly false denunciation" and "insulting a public official". The trial took place at the Pervomaiskiy District Court of Rostov-on-Don, which has found today Sergey Reznik guilty on all the indictment points and sentenced to 1.5 years in a general security colony.

"We'll surely appeal against the verdict, because we believe it to be illegal and unfair," said Yuri Kastrubin, adding that the challenge will go up to the Supreme Court of Russia.

Sergey Reznik himself associates his prosecution with his journalistic activities.

The sentencing was attended by about 40 people, said Boris Batyi, a civil activist, who was present in the courtroom.

"The courtroom was full. It was impossible to find a vacant seat; and everyone was shocked by the final sentence," Boris Batyi told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.