On April 17, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation considered the cassation appeal of lawyers against the verdict of the Southern District Military Court and the appeal decision in the case of five Crimean Tatars – Akim Bekirov, Asan Yanikov, Eskender Suleymanov, Rustem Seithalilov and Seitveli Seitabdiev. This was reported by the Crimean Solidarity.
The report says that the defense reiterated numerous violations committed during the investigation and trial, emphasizing the political nature of the persecution. During the hearing, two motions were filed: Asan Yanikov demanded to have access to the audio recordings of the first and appellate instance hearings, but the court rejected this motion. Eskender Suleymanov also asked to re-interrogate the hidden witnesses.
“Eskender Suleymanov wanted the court to re-interrogate the hidden witnesses who lied throughout the trial and interrogation,” – commented lawyer Rustem Kiamilev.
The court denied both motions and upheld the verdict and the appeal decision. According to the lawyer, the political prisoners feel well and express their gratitude to everyone who supports them.
Photo: Crimean Solidarity