Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko goes on hunger strike again


Savchenko announced this after the judge adjourned the hearing until March 9.

It was expected that after today’s debate, Nadiya Savchenko would deliver her last statement. But after the speech of lawyers and a short argument between Savchenko and prosecutors, the judge adjourned the hearing until March 9.

As reported before, Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Federation asked for 23 years in prison and a 100,000-ruble fine (about $1,400) for the Ukrainian pilot on Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Mark Feygin is set to dissuade Savchenko from hunger striking.

Another lawyer for Savchenko, Ilya Novikov, said during the presentation of cases in Donetsk City Court, Rostov region, on Thursday that Savchenko’s defense team will not appeal her verdict.

“The reason why we will not appeal the verdict is not that Nadiya is guilty. We have no reason to believe that Nadiya has any chance as far as these charges are concerned. In my opinion, I and my colleagues have managed to achieve everything we wanted. Certainly, you will issue a guilty verdict. I have no doubt about that. The entire world is following this trial today. Diplomats and embassy officials are present at this hall. This case will not go unnoticed,” Novikov said.

The trial of Savchenko started In September, 2015. The Ukrainian pilot is accused of murdering Russian journalists and illegal border crossing. In her turn, the woman denies any wrongdoing. According to Savchenko, she was abducted by force and transported to Russia. Savchenko’s lawyers state that at the moment shelling the defendant was in captivity in Russia and, consequently, she was not able to regulate fire.

Belsat.eu, following Interfax Ukraine, Censor.net.ua

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