Aidar battalion fighter Andrii Stepankov brought to court straight from intensive care

A court is today selecting a preventive measure for disabled Aidar battalion fighter Andrii Stepankov (callsign Stepan). He is suspected of kidnapping and torturing separatists. The man was brought to court straight from the intensive care unit. Andrii cannot sit, so he lay on specially moved benches during the court hearing.

“The court hearing to select a preventive measure for Aidar battalion intelligence officer Andrii Stepankov, callsign 'Stepan', has begun. The prosecutor is requesting that 'Stepan' be detained for two months on charges of kidnapping and torturing separatists.

The case is being heard by Kastruba, a judge of the Kremenchuk District Court.

Lawyer Andrii Mamalyha is filing a motion for the recusal of Prosecutor Pogodin, as he bears direct responsibility for the unlawful detention of 'Stepan', which lasted four months and was ruled unlawful by the court yesterday.

A pro bono lawyer who helped the police fabricate documents against the unconscious 'Stepan' overnight has arrived. She refuses to identify herself. She is behaving rudely. People have driven her out of the courtroom.

The court denied the motion for the prosecutor's recusal.

The prosecutor is asking the court to make the hearings in the 'Stepan' case closed,” - Igor Mosiychuk wrote on his internet page.