The Supreme Court overturned the decision to extend the arrest of Vladimir Akimenkov, a defendant in the Bolotnaya case.

The Presidium of the Supreme Court declared illegal all decisions to extend the arrest of Vladimir Akimenkov in the Bolotnaya case. This was reported by Interfax with reference to Akimenkov's lawyer Dmitry Agranovsky.

“Based on the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, the Supreme Court today canceled all decisions on Akimenkov’s detention during the preliminary investigation and trial,” Agranovsky told the agency.

The lawyer added that there are no legal consequences for this decision, but the defense intends to obtain compensation for moral damage to Akimenkov.

“We are satisfied with today’s decision of the Supreme Court and believe that it will help reduce the number of arrests in the Russian Federation in this category of cases and more often choose an alternative preventive measure for detainees,” Agranovsky explained.

Earlier, the ECtHR upheld two complaints by Vladimir Akimenkov against Russia, finding a violation of Akimenkov's right to be free from torture (Article 3 of the Convention) and the right to liberty and security of person (Article 5 of the Convention). The court awarded Akimenkov compensation in the amount of 10,000 euros.

• On May 6, 2012, an opposition rally agreed with the Moscow authorities on Bolotnaya Square escalated into clashes between demonstrators and the police. As a result, more than 400 people were detained. On the same day, a criminal case was initiated under Article 212 (calls for mass riots) and Article 318 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (use of violence against a representative of authority).
• Vladimir Akimenkov participated in a protest action, in June 2012 he was detained and placed under arrest. A day earlier, the police came to his house and offered to “talk”. Later, the charge was brought only under the article on participation in mass riots. During the consideration of the case in the building of the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow, he was beaten by escorts. On December 19, 2013 he was amnestied.