My personal worst moment of the year 2003 was late afternoon January 31st. At Saratov’s Districts Court, public prosecutor Colonel Verbin demanded for me quarter of century of imprisonment. Ten years of imprisonment for allegedly planning terrorist attacks on territory of Kazakhstan, 4 years for preparation to organize outlawed armed formations, 8 years for a purchase of Kalashnikovs and 3 years for a call to overthrow the Government of Russian Federation. Exactly 25 years demanded Verbin, that tall and skinny as a match colonel, wearing blue uniform of Prosecutor.
But “by the way of partial reduction” merciful and compassionate Russian Justice, personified by colonel, demanded for me “only” 14 years of imprisonment in the camp of “severe regime.” It was worstiest day of 2003. But going to court on February 4, just a few days later, early in the morning I saw on television face of my wife, Natasha. Television said that my wife have died as a saint during her sleep at night from 2 to 3rd February. Then, until the day of April 15, I have lived under the heavy burden of 14 years. On April 15 I was miraculously sentenced to 4 years. I know, I wrote about that, but anyway, it was my worst season of life. (more…)