Ex-police officer involved in Golunov case partially admits guilt in court
MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax) - Maxim Umetbayev, a former official with the interior affairs department for Moscow's Western Administrative District, has partially admitted his guilt as regards the use of physical force on journalist Ivan Golunov, an Interfax correspondent reported from the courtroom on Thursday.
He additionally said that he is willing to collaborate with investigators.
Umetbayev's lawyer said that the operative had convoyed Golunov and had taken part in the search of the journalist's apartment. The policeman had nothing to do with the events, which preceded Golunov's detention, the lawyer said.
The lawyer added that on the day of Golunov's detention Umetbayev was going to visit an outpatient clinic and was summoned to his office by his chief Igor Lyakhovets. Meanwhile, Lyakhovets said in court that on the day of Golunov's detention he has been on vacation and has talked to his subordinates by phone.
"I partially admit my guilt as regards Golunov's battery," Umetbayev said in the Moscow Basmanny District Court.
Umetbayev is charged with abuse of office involving the use of violence and the infliction of severe consequences, as well as forging evidence and storing a large amount of drugs.