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Last Updated : 2024-05-14 01:21:00
25 August 2021 12:05 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Russian scientist Nikolai Kilafyan, on trial in Sri Lanka for collecting insects illegally is in dire need of surgery after a serious leg fracture, the Vice-President of Russian division of the International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, Ivan Melnikov told Russian news agency TASS on Wednesday.
Nikolai was diagnosed with a severe leg fracture. He needs surgery that given the difficult situation with the coronavirus in the country, cannot be done in Sri Lanka. He has to get home as soon as possible," Melnikov said. He also said that he hopes Sri Lankan court will drop the charges against Kilofyan, considering the changes of conviction are quite low. "All three Russians are in danger for various health reasons. Alexander Ignatenko continues to have stomach problems, and he has yet to recover from COVID-19 complications. The third Russian, Artem Ryabov, also continues to struggle with post COVID-19 complications." Melnikov said.
In February 2020, Zoologist Alexander Ignatenko was arrested after authorities discovered that he had several dead beetles, which is a violation of the country's ban on collecting flora and fauna. Two of his fellow colleagues Artem Ryabov and Nikolai Kilafyan were also detained. In May 2021, they were released on bail right as the trial began. The three scientists were accused of killing 277 beetles. Ignatenko maintains that he did not catch and kill the insects, but collected already dead ones found along the road, photographed them and wrote down the description of each one.
At the request of lawyers, the Russian Science Academy Zoology Institute Center experts conducted a study to determine whether or not the found insects were endangered species which Russians are accused of collecting. According to their report, only one butterfly and five species of reptiles are recognized as rare and in need of protection. If found guilty, Ignatenko says he will have to pay a fine in the amount of 3 mln rubles ($40,625) or he will face up to 40 years in prison.
BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 25 August 2021 12:40 PM
Russia need not worry, you are in the UN Security Council and just give a ultimatum to GOSL that you will support the investigation on war crimes which at the moment you are resisting. All those Russians will be released, pardoned and even sent by Sri Lankan aircraft to Russia.
Eran Wednesday, 25 August 2021 12:55 PM
Take a clue from Duminda Silva
LFMRE Wednesday, 25 August 2021 12:58 PM
Do not be surprised if our Government allows him to go back the Russia due to the high degree of importance they attach to human rights.
beetles oh bloody!! Wednesday, 25 August 2021 12:58 PM
are we sure they are russians?? or possibly look alike chinese who eat them ???
Tatiana Dymova Wednesday, 25 August 2021 01:00 PM
They need the freedom and in flihgt Russia
thomas the train Wednesday, 25 August 2021 03:23 PM
SL government is like a 10 ruppee hooker..... you should have just thrown a few dollar notes and a few ministers may have offered thier wives as santhosam. Api Thami Hondatama Kare !!!!
vithura Wednesday, 25 August 2021 04:16 PM
Since when did Russia become a protectorate of human rights?
realBuddhist Wednesday, 25 August 2021 04:22 PM
who need to be to feel sorry for bugs and mock people? and then run and ask for help from Russia... shame on sri lanka
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