22.07.2014

There’s a reason why the information on accusations against Oleg Baronov appeared in mass media erlier than Baronov’s relatives and lawyers learned about it. It happens every time when the investigators are interested not in finding the truth but in discrediting a person. When the case is not about investigation but provocation.

On Monday evening St.Petersburg branch of YABLOKO Bureau adopted a statement on the detention of the YABLOKO member, lawyer Oleg Baronov. Here is the text of the statement:’

Statement by St.Petersburg branch of YABLOKO

The St.Petersburg branch of YABLOKO doesn’t believe in accusations against Chairman of our party primary unit in Petrodvorets, honorable lawyer of Russia Oleg Baronov.

We know him as a professional and conscientious lawyer who helped lots of people selflessly.

As one of the organisers of the civil campaign is defense of Peterhof, in February Oleg Baronov organised the largest rally in history of the suburbs against constriction in Lugovoy park – 500 residents participated in it.

As a bright public leader who managed to unite the opposition forces of Peterhof – created and headed an independent public city council which united chairpersons of opposition political parties and movements. The council protested against changes to the general outlay, mass construction of Peterhof and is support of the residents’ rights.

Baronov’s activities touched the interests of many dishonest people. Therefore we have no doubt that that “Baronov’s case” is politically motivated.

It’s no coincidence that the accusations and big campaign in mass media appeared exactly when Oleg Baronov was registered as candidate for Peterhof municipal council deputy and has good chances to pass according to general opinion. What is more, the activists of the independent public council of Peterhof were also registered as candidates and their election campaign is under risk at the moment.

There’s a reason why the information on accusations against Oleg Baronov appeared in mass media erlier than Baronov’s relatives and lawyers learned about it. It happens every time when the investigators are interested not in finding the truth but in discrediting a person. When the case is not about investigation but provocation.

We think the case should be investigated objectively. But can we count on such investigation when high-rank officials get off with house arrest or amnesty for billionth embezzlement of budgetary money but ordinary citizens face the most severe punishments when their guilt isn’t proved. Can we be sure that Oleg Baronov’s case will be investigated carefully and fairly?

St.Petersburg branch of YABLOKO claim that the court decision on two months arrest for Oleg Baronov as a measure of restraint is unlawful and unfair. It’s obvious that he can’t escape anywhere and moreover influence the investigation. What is more, the arrest can be fatal to him as he has a number of serious illnesses. We hope that the city court will take all the circumstances into consideration and will choose a more rational restraint measure.