Russia grants early release to former governor from penitentiary
Nikita Belych, a former democratic political figure in Russia, previously served in a significant role but was imprisoned in 2016 for alleged corruption charges. Now, Belych, ex-governor of the Kirov region, has reportedly been freed from prison according to Russian media reports by his lawyer.
From 2009, Belych spearheaded one of Russia's administrations as a politician from the democratic faction. His arrest came in 2016 when he was accused of attempting to accept a bribe, an allegation he denied. Despite his denial, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Initially, Belych sought advice from Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Navalny was accused by the Russian justice system of embezzlement in the Kirov region, east of Moscow. Belych was slated to testify against his former advisor, but he declined, as reported by Russian independent media outlet Echomoscow in Network X.
Navalny was a pointed critic of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and, following his imprisonment in 2021, was labeled a political prisoner. In February of this year, he died in a prison in northern Russia under murky circumstances. His family and supporters suspect foul play - not only because Navalny barely survived a nerve agent attack in the summer of 2020 and was therefore in poor health, but also due to the uncertain conditions surrounding his death.
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After Belych's release, there have been calls for justice in Russia, with prominent figures like Alexei Navalny's supporters advocating for a fair investigation into the former governor's earlier corruption charges. Meanwhile, in Moscow, protests demanding transparency and accountability in the Russian justice system have been ongoing, echoing the sentiments of many Russians disillusioned with the country's political landscape.
