Russian court sentences man convicted of killing senior general to life imprisonment

A Russian military court has sentenced Akhmadjon Kurbonov to life imprisonment and imposed a 1 million ruble fine ($12,949 ) after he pleaded guilty to carrying out a terrorist attack that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant, Major Ilya Polikarpov.

The verdict was delivered on January 21 by the Second Western District Military Court, which also sentenced three other defendants to prison terms ranging from 18 to 25 years for their roles in the attack, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

Kurbonov admitted full responsibility for the crime and expressed remorse during the trial. Prosecutors had requested a life sentence for him. Co-defendant Robert Safaryan, who partially admitted guilt, received a lengthy prison sentence, while Batukhan Tochiev and Ramazan Padiev, both of whom denied the charges, were also convicted and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment.

The defendants delivered their final statements on January 19, two days before the verdict was announced.

The court proceedings were held behind closed doors, with no media access. Depending on their roles, the defendants were convicted of participating in a terrorist organisation, carrying out a terrorist act as part of an organised group, illegal trafficking of explosives and explosive devices, and undergoing training for terrorist activities. These charges fall under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, including terrorism-related offenses.

Investigators said the case involves additional accomplices who have been charged in absentia and placed on international wanted lists. Among them is a Ukrainian citizen residing in the European Union, according to Russian authorities. The investigation into these suspects is ongoing.

Lieutenant General Kirillov served as commander of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiation, chemical, and biological protection troops.

By Sabina Mammadli