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.
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