MOSCOW, October 24 - RAPSI. Opposition figure Leonid Razvozzhayev, who has been accused of instigating mass riots, has yet to choose an attorney, Investigative Committee official spokesperson Vladimir Markin said on Wednesday. He added that torture has not been used against him.
Previously, lawyer Mark Feygin said he will defend Razvozzhayev, who claimed that the opposition figure wrote his acknowledgement of guilt under pressure.
"Razvozzhayev did not submit an official application on torture, kidnapping or any other illegal actions committed during the criminal case's initiation or when the charges were submitted to the committee," Markin said.
The case was initiated following the film, "Anatomy of Protest 2." Its authors have claimed that the opposition is preparing a coup d'etat financed from abroad.
"Until recently, Razvozzhayev, whose right to invite a lawyer was explained to him, has not stated who exactly he wants to defend him," Markin added. "As soon as he or his relatives choose a lawyer, he can refer to the Investigative Department's Main Investigative Department and resolve the issue of his participation in the criminal case."
On October 19, the Russian Investigative Committee placed Razvozzhayev on the federal wanted list. He was charged with organizing mass riots together with Left Front movement coordinator Sergei Udaltsov and his aide Konstantin Lebedev. The case against them was initiated after the film, "Anatomy of Protest 2," was shown on the NTV TV channel.
In Kiev, Razvozzhayev submitted an application for political asylum to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He was kidnapped after leaving the office.
The Investigative Committee later reported that Razvozzhayev came to them of his own accord and said that he wanted to file an acknowledgment of guilt. Razvozzhayev described the circumstances surrounding the riots, as well as Sergei Udaltsov's, Konstantin Lebedev's, and other individuals' involvement in organizing the protests on May 6 on Bolotnaya Square.
