MOSCOW, December 25 (RAPSI) – The Presidential Council for Human Rights welcomes a ruling to release Samariddin Radzhabov, a defendant in a case over using violence against a police officer during an illegal summer rally held on July 27, the advisory body’s press service reports.

According to the Council’Chairman Valery Fadeyev, Radzhabov stood charged with throwing a bottle with water at a policeman and missed. He believes it is important that a court ordered his release but not imprisonment. The advisory body keeps a close eye on the cases consideration. Fadeyev said earlier that the defendants violated the law but pointed that “some of them did not commit offenses meant to be punished with imprisonment.

He also expressed content that the court took the Council’s opinion into account and delivered a just and adequate ruling in the case of Radzhabov.

On Tuesday, the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow imposed a 100,000-ruble fine ($1,600) against Radzhabov. The defendant was ordered to be released in the courtroom. The court reckoned the imposed fine towards more than the 5-month detention.

Prosecutors earlier demanded 3.5 years in prison for Radzhabov.

According to investigators, Radzhabov threw a bottle with water at an officer of the National Guard on July 27. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Unauthorized rallies in support of candidates seeking to become lawmakers of the Moscow State Duma but refused registration by the Election Commission were held on July 27 and August 3 in central Moscow. Over 1,000 people were arrested for various violations as a result.

Following the 27 July rally, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over mass riots. Investigators believe that the protest action was held with the use of force against representatives of authority. Several activists have been already convicted and sentenced. Charges against several others have been dropped.