In the Tushinsky District Court of Moscow, where the case of pediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova is being considered on charges of spreading military 'fakes', the prosecution requested six years in a penal colony. The case against the 68-year-old doctor was initiated after the ex-wife of a soldier who died in Ukraine, Anastasia Akinshina, claimed that the doctor allegedly made 'negative comments' about the Russian army during the appointment.
Buyanova's lawyers and the pediatrician herself insisted that her case is based only on false testimony from the mother and child. Buyanova does not admit guilt, confirming that she saw Akinshina, who filed the complaint against her, but claims she did not say the phrases attributed to her. She stated that she has been working as a doctor since 1985 and during this time has never had any disciplinary actions, reported a correspondent from the courtroom of 'Mediazona'*.
In the arguments, prosecutor Dudin noted that Buyanova's crime is classified as serious. Buyanova did not admit guilt, but her version is not supported by evidence in the criminal case, primarily the testimony of Akinshina and her young son, the prosecution believes. Dudin also reported that Buyanova 'took measures to broadcast her position to society'. The prosecutor requested six years in a penal colony for pediatrician Buyanova.
Lawyer Oscar Cherdzhiev believes that in Buyanova's situation, the presumption of innocence should apply — but the investigation takes Akinshina's words on faith without any evidence. He also reminded that the recording from the pediatrician's office disappeared 'under mysterious circumstances'.
Lawyer Leonid Solovyov also pointed out inconsistencies in the case and noted that Akinshina constantly changed her testimony even in minor details, simply framing the doctor. 'Lies should not be encouraged, they should be punished,' Solovyov concluded.
'It hurts to read these offensive words — 'on the grounds of political hatred'. Hatred is a deep and strong feeling, it is not inherent to me as a doctor. Without humanity, there is nothing to do in medicine,' said Nadezhda Buyanova in her final statement, noting that with the political hatred she is accused of, one cannot go into medicine. She also reminded that the civil court agreed with her position — and she was reinstated at work.
Buyanova added that she considers herself belonging to three peoples: Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian — and does not want to choose between these peoples.
The verdict will be announced on November 12.
* Recognized in Russia as a 'foreign agent'.
Photo: Alexandra Astakhova/Mediazona