Install

Get the latest updates as we post them — right on your browser

Today's paper. Last Updated: 05/27/2012

Sambo Champion Released on Bail

The Moscow Times

Mixed-martial-arts world champion Rasul Mirzayev, who is accused of manslaughter in the death of a 19-year-old man, was freed on bail Monday.

"There is no longer a basis for the continued detention of Mirzayev," Judge Yulia Novichkova said during a court hearing, Interfax reported.

She agreed with the defense's argument that Mirzayev should be released because the crime he was originally charged with — assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm — was replaced with a lesser one last month. The guidelines for the lesser charge allow for Mirzayev to be released.

Mirzayev was let go on bail of 100,000 rubles ($3,300).

The family of victim Ivan Agafonov received a letter of apology from the athlete but remains unsatisfied.

A representative of the family, Oksana Mikhalkina, said the decision would be appealed.

"Now anybody can kill for just 100,000 rubles," she said, Interfax reported.

In August, Agafonov and Mirzayev had a confrontation at the Garage nightclub. Mirzayev punched Agafonov in the head, allegedly for flirting with the fighter's girlfriend. The 19-year old was hospitalized in critical condition and died four days later.

Medical experts concluded that the fatal injury occurred when Agafonov's head struck the pavement.

A previous request for bail by Mirzayev that was backed by lawmakers from the athlete's native Dagestan, members of the State Duma, and a number of sports stars was denied in August.

On Jan. 12, the charge was reduced to manslaughter, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.





This article has no comments.

Be the first to leave a comment


Discussion
The Moscow Times welcomes your comments and invites you to discuss topics with other readers. Your comment will be posted automatically to enable a live discussion. If you aren't familiar with our comments policy, you can read it here.

If you're a registered user, you can start typing your comment below. If not, take a moment to sign up. and then return to the article.

If your comment doesn't appear, contact us by using our web form.

Comments

Comments via Facebook



Also in News

Medvedev Takes the Reins of Leading Party

Delegates to the United Russia convention held this weekend unanimously voted Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev into the party's leading position, making the party's new member its chairman as well.

Russia's Grannies Take 2nd at Eurovision Final

The endearing Buranovskiye Babushki held their own against the best musical acts of 42 countries in Baku, finishing second to Sweden's Loreen at the Eurovision contest final in Azerbaijan's capital.

Khodorkovsky Lawyers Deny Report That Tycoon Asked for Olympic Visa Ban

Lawyers for imprisoned tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky denied a report circulating Sunday in the British media that their client sent a letter to the British prime minister urging a visa ban on 308 Russian officials at the London Summer Olympics.

Attempted Gay Parade Descends Into Violence, Arrests

An unsanctioned gay pride rally descended into violence Sunday as religious activists sought to break up the event and police detained protesters.

4 Russian Bikers Detained in Iraq

Four Russian bikers have been detained in Iraq, possibly on suspicion of spying, prompting a surge of concern at home.

Putin to Take First Foreign Trip to Belarus May 31

President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus on May 31 for his first foreign visit since taking office earlier this month, followed by a trip to Germany and France.



print


Comments

This article has no comments.

Be the first to leave a comment





Most Read