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Uriy Korepanov63 year old pensioner
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Citizenship and Return to Russia
- Arrest and Trial in Uzbekistan
- Diplomatic Efforts and Reactions
- Current Situation
Early Life and Military Career
Yuri Korepanov was born in the Sverdlovsk region of the Soviet Union. He served in the military in Uzbekistan and resided there for approximately 40 years, rising to the rank of Colonel.
Citizenship and Return to Russia
In 2003, Korepanov obtained Russian citizenship and renounced his Uzbek citizenship, relocating to Russia's Yekaterinburg. He worked for the municipal utility "Vodokanal" and as a security guard at the local military commissariat.
Arrest and Trial in Uzbekistan
On October 30, 2010, Korepanov was arrested in Tashkent while returning from a visit to his son. Uzbek authorities accused him of "treason," claiming he had illegally renounced his Uzbek citizenship. The trial was held in closed session, and Korepanov was found guilty of "illegal border crossing" and "treason" under Articles 223 and 157 of the Uzbek Criminal Code.
Diplomatic Efforts and Reactions
Russian officials initially reacted with silence to Korepanov's arrest and trial. Family members and local deputies appealed to the Russian government for intervention, but Uzbek authorities withheld documents and claimed Korepanov was a citizen of Uzbekistan.
However, some members of the Russian parliament, particularly from the "Fair Russia" party, condemned the Uzbek government's actions and advocated for Korepanov's release. They also sent inquiries to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Current Situation
Korepanov was sentenced to 16 years in prison on January 11, 2011, amid concerns that he was denied access to legal counsel during the trial. The lack of diplomatic pressure and official statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry has raised questions about Russia's commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
Despite the severe sentence, Korepanov's family remains hopeful that he will eventually be released through a presidential amnesty or diplomatic negotiations.
