Russia's authorities have allowed the younger sister of Ukrainian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko to enter the country to testify in court as her sister's defense witness, lawyers said, after an attempt to bar her from entering Russia prompted an outcry from the defense team.
“Here is an example of the undoubtable force of publicity: Vera Savchenko has been allowed into Russia,” lawyer Mark Feygin said in a Twitter message Monday.
Vera Savchenko was the sole defense witness scheduled to appear in her sister's trial, lawyers said previously.
Moscow accuses Nadezhda Savchenko of abetting the killing of two Russian journalists in eastern Ukraine last year, before illegally crossing into Russia.
Vera Savchenko had earlier quoted a Russian border guard who told her she was banned from entering Russia until 2020.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
