Skinhead case in Nizhny Novgorod

Two teenagers from Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, will go on trial for killing an Azerbaijani, says NEWSru.com.

The investigation established the alleged offenders organised a skinhead group in 2004 into which they drew minors; distributed xenophobic audio and video materials; and incited interethnic hatred with respect to natives of the Caucasus.

In September 2004, they are alleged to have beaten a teenager who appeared to be a Caucasian. The only thing that saved the boy was that passers-by scared the skinheads off. On the same day, the young men beat a 44-year-old man from Azerbaijan and a friend of his. The man died of injuries in 24 hours.

The skinheads are charged under Part 1, Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code (incitement of interethnic, racial and religious hatred), as well as Parts 1, 2 and 4 of Article 11 of the Code (premeditated infliction of bodily harm resulting through carelessness in death of the victim).

Criminal liability for such crimes is provided for in the form of imprisonment for a term of 10 to 15 years. A minor cannot be sentenced for more than 10 years though. A Kstovo court will soon hear this case, but the process will be closed, Interfax says.

• Skinhead murder case closed