"Fee for Happiness": How Anton Dolgikh's court hearing took place

      Today, August 8th, a hearing took place at the Oktyabrsky District Court of Kirov regarding the case of lawyer Anton Dolgikh. The court considered the issue of extending his detention measure. It is worth reminding that the defendant, Anton Dolgikh, is charged under several articles of the Criminal Code: Part 1 of Article 291.2 (Receiving a bribe, giving a bribe personally or through an intermediary in an amount not exceeding 10,000 rubles), Part 4 of Article 33 (Types of accomplices in a crime), Part 3 of Article 285 (Abuse of official authority). Dolgikh has been in custody for over six months. The hearing was marked by a tense atmosphere: arguments from both sides, an emotional speech from the defendant, and the court's final decision.

      The prosecutor insisted on extending the detention. In his statement, the prosecutor argued that having minor children is not a grounds for changing the detention measure, since their care can be provided by Dolgikh's wife—the children's mother. He also stated that house arrest is impossible because Dolgikh lives with his wife, who is a witness in the case. Additionally, there is a risk that, if the measure is eased, the defendant might evade justice. As evidence, the prosecutor cited a review of Dolgikh's laptop, during which, according to him, a search query was found: "buy cheap airline tickets online." Dolgikh responded that he would not formulate such a search query; “As an educated person, I would use the airline’s website or phrase it differently.”

      Anton Dolgikh: “Every minute is a fight”

      During the hearing, Anton Dolgikh delivered a lengthy emotional speech in which he detailed his situation and how he perceives what is happening. He said that he is held in a strict zone of the detention center, and every minute for him is a struggle. Dolgikh shared that there is no one to talk to, nothing to do, and he has to fight for his mental well-being. He also emphasized that, formally, there was no bribe; it was “material assistance” that he provided to postal employees for issuing letters after their shift. He claims he never threatened anyone and voluntarily admitted to his actions. In his speech, Dolgikh repeatedly asked the court to allow visits with his children, whom he has only seen briefly in court over the past few months. He reminded the court that he has acknowledged his guilt and already understands that he has been punished. However, he believes that the punishment is disproportionate, and neither he nor his lawyer understand the “severity of the consequences.” He also noted that it is unbearable for him to be in isolation: he has no access to television, information, or communication. He is especially upset that his “neighbors” are foreign nationals, whom he cannot talk to, and he must also get used to their “traditions.” Summing up his speech, he said: “I understand that all this is the price for my happiness. I have a very good family, I have wonderful children, I have an amazing wife. And apparently, this is the price I have to pay for my happiness. Yes, I need to pay it.”

      Incidentally, from the very beginning of the hearing, the judge removed all of Anton Dolgikh’s family from the courtroom, explaining that his wife and mother are witnesses in the case. The defendant was extremely upset by this decision. After the hearing ended and Anton was being led out of the courtroom, his sons ran up to him shouting, “We love you,” despite the presence of the convoy.

      Anton Dolgikh’s lawyer also spoke at the trial. He provided the following arguments in favor of changing the detention measure: he presented photographs of Dolgikh’s apartment to confirm that the accused did not intend to sell the property, as had previously been claimed in court. He cited the testimony of a postal employee who stated that no threats from the defendant had been made. He also emphasized that Dolgikh voluntarily admitted guilt and cooperated with the investigation.

      Despite all the defense’s arguments, the Oktyabrsky Court decided to extend the detention measure. Anton Dolgikh will remain in custody until January 29, 2026. The next hearing is scheduled for August 21.