Human rights defenders evaluate role of guilty plea in Zhuravel’s case

A commutation of punishment for Nikita Zhuravel after his admission of guilt is possible only if a court in Grozny believes in his sincerity, advocate and human rights defender Valentin Bogdan points out. The exemplary criminal proceedings against Nikita Zhuravel are being carried out in violation of the law, and it is unlikely that the court will commute the punishment after the defendant pleads guilty, advocate Sergei Davidis notes.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on December 12, imams from Chechnya, involved in Nikita Zhuravel’s case as victims, stated that the burning of the Koran insulted them and all Muslims.

Admitting guilt provides grounds for mitigating the punishment, notes advocate and human rights defender Valentin Bogdan. “The court should be convinced of the sincerity of the admission of guilt and the genuineness of repentance. Then the above may have a positive impact on the court’s decision,” emphasized Valentin Bogdan.

If the court sees in the repentance only an attempt to mitigate the punishment, then “at best, it will not affect the court’s decision in any way, but at worst, it will create a negative opinion about the defendant.”

The human rights defender also expressed his “personal opinion” about the insult to religious feelings. “Of course, I feel pity for Nikita. He may and should be forgiven with the minimum possible punishment imposed on. The society should give him a chance to realize that hype is not a value for which a person should ruin his or her life,” stated Valentin Bogdan.

The loud scandals accompanying Nikita Zhuravel’s case and the prolonged nature of the trial are intended to legitimize Ramzan Kadyrov as a defender of Muslims, suggests advocate Sergei Davidis, the head of the “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” project.