Commander of special operation in Kondopoga to be trialled in camera

On February 7, the Supreme Court of Karelia will start considering, in private session, the criminal case of Colonel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) Victor Vysokikh, commander of the special operation aimed to stop mass disorders in the city of Kondopoga in September 2006.

The RIA "Novosti" reports that Colonel Victor Vysokikh is charged of service negligence.

Liudmila Kudryavtseva, who is representing the state prosecution, has informed that "the defendant - deputy commander of the MIA's militia of public safety for Karelia Militia Colonel Victor Vysokikh - petitioned that his case was considered by a jury. Thus, the first session of the court will select the jurymen, then, the state prosecution and defence will formulate their positions to the jury."

According to her version, the litigation will take place in camera, since in the course of consideration of the criminal case classified documents will be presented that refer to special operations undertaken by the MIA.

In relation to Mr Vysokikh the criminal files state as follows: "Being in command of the special operation 'Volcano-1' and having enough forces and means of law-enforcement bodies for suppressing mass disorders, he failed to ban the illegal rally near the city's mini-market and at the building of the district administration, the participants of which later organized mass disorders. He had also failed to defend the public order and admitted pogroms of trading facilities."

During the investigation, Colonel Vysokikh refused to plead guilty and stated that he had acted in full conformity with his duty regulations. He is now under recognizance not to leave.