Press Release, 31.03.2015

Today, Ella Pamfilova, Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia, sent a telegram to Yuri Baboydo, head of the Investigative Committee of Karelia, demanding to change the measure of restraint for Olga Zakletskaya and Alexandra Kornilova. On the threashold YABLOKO leader Sergei Mitrokhin had requested the Ombudsperson to facilitate the release of detained YABLOKO members in Karelia.

Olga Zakletskaya and Alexandra Kornilova were detained in Petrozavodsk on 25 March.

They were accused of implementing a deal on sale and purchase of a building at an allegedly lower price and thus evicting damage to Petrozavodsk amounting to RUR 16.5 million. However, there were three state assessments of the value made on these non-residential premises and the building was sold through an auction, moreover the legality of the transaction was confirmed by court.

In the past year Karelia saw a huge number of criminal cases raised against political opponents of Governor Alexander Khudilainen: both members of the YABLOKO party and politicians not related to our party.

YABLOKO Bureau called President of Russia to dismiss Alexander Khudilainen from his post.

International community sent solidarity statements to Olga Zaletskaya and Alexandra Kornilova: ALDE party, Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the International Network of Liberal Women, French Socialist Party.