Russian who stabbed journalist to undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment: Court
Fri May 11, 2018 11:00:am World
3.3K By Obiaks Blog
A Russian man who stabbed a well-known journalist and Kremlin critic in the neck last year will avoid jail but undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment, a Moscow court ruled Friday.
Boris Grits, a dual Russian and Israeli citizen, stabbed radio presenter Tatyana Felgenhauer in October 2017 while she was at work, in a case that shocked the country.
Felgenhauer, a deputy editor at the liberal Echo of Moscow radio station, survived the attack after undergoing surgery and returned to work shortly afterwards.
Following an investigation, prosecutors ruled Grits was unaware of his actions during the attack.
"The court has decided to release Grits from criminal responsibility and to send him for medical treatment," judge Alexei Chernikov, quoted by Russian agencies, said.
Speaking on air on Echo of Moscow, Felgenhauer said she was satisfied with the ruling.
"It's good that it is over, that he is being isolated," she said.
"Thank you for not letting him go. The main thing is for him to be cured."
She added that she initially doubted Grits was psychologically ill and believed the attack was "planned" but has since read his relatives' claims and does not want to "dive into any sort of conspiracies."
Before the attack, Grits complained on his blog that Felngengauer had been stalking him and that the two had a "telepathic connection."
Felgenhauer is involved in political opposition rallies and has thousands of followers on her public Facebook page.
Many commentators blamed the authorities for the attack, saying they had created an atmosphere in which such an assault became possible.
Russia has a disturbing record of attacks on reporters, with 58 killed since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
AFP
Boris Grits, a dual Russian and Israeli citizen, stabbed radio presenter Tatyana Felgenhauer in October 2017 while she was at work, in a case that shocked the country.
Felgenhauer, a deputy editor at the liberal Echo of Moscow radio station, survived the attack after undergoing surgery and returned to work shortly afterwards.
Following an investigation, prosecutors ruled Grits was unaware of his actions during the attack.
"The court has decided to release Grits from criminal responsibility and to send him for medical treatment," judge Alexei Chernikov, quoted by Russian agencies, said.
Speaking on air on Echo of Moscow, Felgenhauer said she was satisfied with the ruling.
"It's good that it is over, that he is being isolated," she said.
"Thank you for not letting him go. The main thing is for him to be cured."
She added that she initially doubted Grits was psychologically ill and believed the attack was "planned" but has since read his relatives' claims and does not want to "dive into any sort of conspiracies."
Before the attack, Grits complained on his blog that Felngengauer had been stalking him and that the two had a "telepathic connection."
Felgenhauer is involved in political opposition rallies and has thousands of followers on her public Facebook page.
Many commentators blamed the authorities for the attack, saying they had created an atmosphere in which such an assault became possible.
Russia has a disturbing record of attacks on reporters, with 58 killed since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
AFP
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