Marines Support Servicemate Arrested for Involvement in Protest Actions

10.08.2012 Veterans of Russian Navy said they would publicly defend Denis Lutskevich who is currently in charge of involvement in opposition activities held at Bolotnaya Square in Moscow on May 6, reports Radio Svoboda referring to New Izvestiya.

Co-chairman of Russian Navy Veterans Union Viktor Blytov told newspaper New Izvestiya that several navy-related communities had insisted on immediate release of Lutskevich from custody and apology to him. Former mariners say Lutskevich charged of violence was beaten and delivered to the Sklifosofky Emergency Aid Institute with injuries.

Recall that the 20-year old student Denis Litskevich, retired marine serviceman, is incriminated in breaking of police cordon and showing resistance, writes New Izvestiya. Allegedly, he swept off helmet from a policeman. No evidence of that fact was provided, but there is a photo of Lutskevich in the Internet made right after arrest. The young man's back is covered by marks of police batons. Actually, it was that photo what made ex-mariners to defend their service mate. "The guy seems to be swished by execution rods, and then is charged of ripping off helmet from a policeman", fumes co-chairman of Russian Navy Veterans Union Viktor Blytov. "Denis is marine serviceman, so we could not but intervene on behalf of him. Along with several navy-related public organizations we made a statement with demand to release Denis Lutskevich from custody immediately and apology to him. Considering that he went to bat for a girl – take note, it is shame if a sailor sees someone twisting lady's arms and quietly passes by – it even looks like the accusation is groundless [Lutskevich says he was arrested when he tried to protect a girl from policemen. New Izvestiya]. Moreover, Denis was beaten so that he spent a month on the hospital bed. It obviously proves the fact that it was not he who behave aggressively but policemen", Blytov concluded.

According to Interfax, Basmanny Court of Moscow on Aug 7 extended arrest of Denis Lutskevich up to Nov 6. Trial investigator justified his motion by the fact that Lutskevich allegedly disturbed public order by intention and took off helmet from a policeman. Prosecutor affirmed the investigator's motion. Lutskevich said he would not flee from investigation.