In Anzor Shibzukhov's case, witness refuses to disclose his personal data to court

At the trial, a secret witness for the prosecution, whose testimony is the basis for the case against Anzor Shibzukhov, a former staff member of the Kabardino-Balkarian Ministry for Emergencies (MfE), accused of aiding and abetting an illegal armed formation (IAF), has refused to disclose his personal data at the request of the judge. This was reported by the defence.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Anzor Shibzukhov is accused of aiding and abetting militants and illegal trafficking in drug and weapons. Relatives and advocates of Anzor Shibzukhov believe that the ammunition and drugs were planted to him during the search. The defendant has claimed that he had made a confession under torture.

On November 3, the Baksan District Court of Kabardino-Balkaria started questioning the secret witness, who did not appear in court for a long time. However, despite the fact that the secret witness came to the trial, the court appeared to be unable to question him, since he refused to disclose his personal data at the request of the judge.

"We will insist on solution of the problem to disclose his personal data or to reject his testimony," said advocate Ramzan Uzuev.

The defenders believe there are no reasons in the case for keeping in secret the personal data of the witness. Meanwhile, according to the defence, it is impossible to consider the very case and to question the witness without making sure that the witness is the very person whose data were submitted by the prosecution to the court.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.