MOSCOW, May 15 - RAPSI. Chelyabinsk Prosecutor Sergei Lezhnikov has formally apologized to renowned blogger Andrei Yermolenko on the state's behalf for his unfounded prosecution on extremism charges, the Agora human rights association told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI).

Yermolenko published articles titled "We declare a war on you!" and, "No to political impotence," on the Internet in summer 2009.

They were initially considered by investigators as inciting hatred and social humiliation.

Investigators determined that the blogger aimed to insult officials and police officers.

However, Investigative Committee investigator Rustam Gilmanshin closed the case after holding an expert examination at Southern Ural State University. He concluded that officials and police officers do not compose a social group.

The prosecutor noted that Yermolenko is entitled to file a lawsuit to claim rehabilitation and compensation for his illegal prosecution.