Attorneys representing former church ministers Denis Popovich and Nikita Ivankovich, who face charges of plotting an attack against Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov (often referred to as "Putin's spiritual advisor"), have alleged their clients endured torture. Mediazona reports these claims emerged during proceedings at Moscow City Court, where defense lawyers challenged the extension of preventive detention.
During the hearing, Ivankovich's legal representative Viktor Larin asserted that investigators obtained evidence unlawfully through torture involving electric shocks. "These circumstances prevent me from concluding my client participated in any criminal activity," Larin stated.
Maria Eismont, Popovich's defense lawyer, echoed these allegations: "Authorities employed illegal interrogation techniques including electric shock torture, physical assaults, and threats."
TASS notes both defendants maintain their innocence, with their legal teams accusing investigators of evidence tampering. The court session addressed the ongoing pretrial detention of the accused individuals.