Theater Director from Novosibirsk Challenges the Decision to Maintain the Cottage
In the heart of Novosibirsk's cultural circuit, the conclusion of the dramatic case against Alexander Kulibin, former director of the "Red Torch" Theatre, has stirred quite a commotion.
According to the local news source "KP-Novosibirsk", the year-long proceedings have resulted in a guilty verdict for Kulibin, charged with abuse of power and embezzlement. Given the severity of the charges, it's no surprise that the defense team, led by Elena Verbenko and Anton Miljutin, are preparing an appeal to challenge the court's ruling.
The saga began in January 2023 when Kulibin found himself in temporary custody before being placed under house arrest due to his age and health conditions. It was alleged that in December 2014, Kulibin had appointed his son, Timofey, as the main director of the theatre with a substantial monthly salary, bypassing due process and legislation. As a result, his son received an improper payment of over 5 million rubles from the budget.
The prosecutor's office also unearthed additional transgressions, including the unlawful use of a state subsidy of 1.7 million and evidence of seized computers and laptops during a search of Kulibin's residence. Ultimately, the former director was charged with three criminal episodes under two articles: "Exceeding Official Authority" and "Embezzlement and Misappropriation".
The prosecution demanded a seven-year prison sentence, but the court imposed a slightly lighter sentence of five years with a fine and a ban on engaging in activities related to organizing cultural and entertainment events for two years. However, the sentence is to be served conditionally, with a probation period of four years.
Interestingly, the victims' claims should be met partially, requiring Kulibin to pay 6,973,292 rubles 69 kopecks to the Ministry of Culture of the Novosibirsk region. Moreover, the arrest on Kulibin's country cottage, along with the seized funds, including foreign currency, will remain in place until he pays the assigned fine of 300,000 rubles and fully reimburses the ministry of culture for the incurred damages.
The defense team can file an appeal to fight for Kulibin's acquittal, and the supervisory authority can choose to request a harsher sentence in a subsequent appeal. An important step after the court's decision will be an assessment of its legality by the prosecutor.
Curious about the particularities of the Russian judicial system? Here's a quick breakdown:
- The case initially was likely heard at the Novosibirsk Oblast Court (regional level), given the seriousness of the offenses.
- The appeal process involves several stages, including a first appeal within ten days to the Novosibirsk Regional Court's appellate chamber, and potential cassation appeals to the Third Judicial Cassation Court (serving Siberia) and the Supreme Court of Russia.
- Supervisory review is the final pathway, filed directly to the Presidium of the Supreme Court or regional court presidiums.
However, it's essential to note that intricacies in Russia's legal system, political sensitivity, and judicial independence might influence the appeal process and its outcomes. Seeking assistance from local legal counsel, requesting trial transcripts, and enlisting NGO support like Memorial or Agora could be helpful in navigating this complex landscape.
- Given the guilty verdict against Alexander Kulibin, the former director of the "Red Torch" Theatre, for abuse of power and embezzlement, it's likely that his defense team, led by Elena Verbenko and Anton Miljutin, will prepare an appeal to challenge the court's ruling.
- The prosecution's demand for a seven-year prison sentence for Kulibin was slightly lessened by the court, with a five-year sentence being imposed instead, alongside a fine and a ban on engaging in activities related to organizing cultural and entertainment events for two years.
- The prosecutor's assessment of the case, given its severity and the various criminal episodes charged under two articles, will play a crucial role in determining the eventual outcome, as it will evaluate the legality of the court's decision.
- In the general-news and crime-and-justice categories, the case of Alexander Kulibin and his likely sentencing to five years for embezzlement will likely continue to dominate the headlines, as the appeal process unfolds and the larger implications of the case for the Russian judicial system are debated.
