The trial is in the final phase, but it will therefore take at least six months before any convictions can take place.
Judge Hendrik Steenhuis explained on Monday that there were three options for the verdict. The first would be September 22, but that date is not feasible, he says, because many international media are expected to be present at the verdict.
This leaves two options open: November 17 and December 15. Steenhuis, however, left some uncertainty as to whether the ruling date could possibly be pushed back further.
Requirements for life
The sampling process started in March 2020 and has therefore been taking more than two years. Last December, criminal demands were filed against the four suspects in the trial. Rebel leader Igor Girkin, his right-hand man Sergei Dubinsky, his assistant Oleg Pulatov and garrison commander Leonid Chartshenko were sentenced to life sentences.
However, it seems unlikely that they will serve their possible sentence. Girkin, Dubinsky and Chartchenko have completely ignored the process. Only Pulatov allows himself to be defended by two Dutch lawyers. They argued in the most recent block of hearing that their client deserves acquittal.
If it comes to convictions, Girkin, Dubinsky and Chartshenko will be sentenced in absentia. An appeal from their side is unlikely, as they ignore the process. An appeal on the part of Pulatov is obvious – certainly if the court agrees with the demand of the Public Prosecution Service – since the defense advocates acquittal. That would mean the whole case against him would start all over again.
This week, the Public Prosecution Service is responding to the plea of Pulatov’s lawyers. They will then have the opportunity to participate again in June. Then we have to wait for the convictions.