According to “Radio Svoboda“, a key prosecution witness Hennadiy Afanasiev previously sentenced to seven years is giving his testimony at the hearing. He was convicted in the same case, as Sentsov and Kolchenko.

After preliminary evidence of Afanasiev was read, he said that he refused his words because the evidence had been given under duress.

“I admit my part, but these people were not there. All testimony was given under pressure and duress”- as referred to Afanasiev’s words by “Radio Svoboda” on its page in Twitter.

Afanasiev and Chyrnii (another accused in this case) were arrested together with Kolchenko and Sentsov but after giving testimony received the softened term, in particular, seven years in prison. Under the agreement with the investigation, Chyrnii and Afanasiev must testify against Sentsov and Kolchenko.

For your information, Sentsov and Kolchenko were arrested by FSB in May last year. They are accused of allegedly preparing terrorist attacks in the Crimea.