Crimea’s FSB claims Panov refuses to have attorney

An investigator in the Russian-annexed Crimea handed over a document to the attorney saying Ukrainian detainee Yevhen Panov refuses to have an attorney hired by his family.

Brother of the detainee, Ihor Kotelianets, said this to the Crimean Human Rights Group.

The letter, handed over to the attorney, was filed on behalf of the investigator, it contained no signature of Panov or his handwriting about his refusal.

This contradicts the norms of the Russian legislation, which is currently applied in Crimea. According to Part 1 of Article 52 of the Russia’s Code of Criminal Procedure, the refusal to have an attorney shall be permitted only on the initiative of the suspect and stated in writing.

The attorney disagrees with such a “refusal” and is going to challenge it.

The relatives of Yevhen Panov disagree with this fact as well.

According to the experts of the Crimean Human Rights Group, the investigators are trying to stand off the attorney, hired by Panov’s family.

This is a violation of his right to a fair trial and an effective remedy.

In addition, it may indicate their intention to hide the consequences of illegal methods of influence on Panova during interrogations.

Kotelianets wrote on Facebook: “I still cannot reach my brother. The attorney is not allowed to see him. We are not allowed to see or hand over something to Yevhen...”

As reported, the Russian special services claim that Zaporizhzhia region resident Yevhen Panov is a subversive. He is accused of plotting terrorist attacks on the peninsula which were allegedly prevented in Crimea in early August.