RUSSIALINK: “Situation with actor Ustinov case developing within framework of law – Peskov” – Interfax

MOSCOW. Sept 19 (Interfax) – The situation with actor Pavel Ustinov, who was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for attacking a Russian Guardsman, is developing within the framework of law, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

Responding to a question from journalists as to whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has become familiar with filmmaker Andrei Zvyagintsev’s address to the president in Ustinov’s support, Peskov said: “The Kremlin has seen the address [by Zvyagintsev]. The president cannot intervene in this situation. The situation is developing within the framework of law, as it should develop.”

“You know that an appeal has been filed [against Ustinov’s arrest], you heard the statement by [lawyer Anatoly] Kucherena. He is a lawyer who became involved and who takes certain actions that are described. Therefore, it has to be said specifically that the situation is developing within the framework of law,” Peskov said.

Responding to a question as to why Ustinov’s defenders are appealing to the presidential administration specifically, Peskov said: “You need to ask participants in these events.”

“We are saying once again that the presidential administration or the president do not comment and will not comment on the court decision and they have no right by law and they do not intend to intervene in court proceedings,” Peskov said.

The Moscow prosecutor’s office earlier sent to the Moscow City Court at the request of lawyer Anatoly Kucherena a motion to change the measure of restraint placed on Ustinov.

[featured image is file photo from another occasion]