Azat Miftakhov back in punishment cell, believes it is retaliation for court victory

‘Fifteen days, from Monday. Apparently I missed a spot dusting again,’ Azat explained.

‘Azat, start dusting already,’ joked his wife and defence representative, Elena Gorban.

‘I think this was because of our latest court hearing. By the way, how did it go?’ Azat replied.

The court ruled that Azat Miftakhov’s rights had been violated when his wife was refused access to the penal colony as his defence representative, but declined to hold the prison staff responsible for the violation.

Azat Miftakhov’s wife and his representative were not even allowed to hear the ruling. The court in Labytnangi retired to consider its decision, but the Troitsky court immediately disconnected the video link, saying it had another hearing and had only expected the session to last an hour.

Azat Miftakhov has also been placed in a punishment cell in the past because the inventory of a bag did not match its contents. In August, his term in a cell-type room (PKT) ended; he had provoked his placement there to ensure his own safety.