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History professor Oleg Sokolov, 64, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison by a St. Petersburg court for murdering and cutting up the body of a mistress.
Sokolov’s trial began in June after delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. On December 25, this history professor appeared in court in a white shirt and gray vest, pacing back and forth in a glass cell when he heard Judge Yulia Maximenko sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison on charges of murder. and illegal possession of weapons.
“He admitted his behavior at the time of his crime,” Maximenko said while reading the verdict, adding that Sokolov had a “sudden” murder intention.
Sokolov’s lawyer said he did not agree with the ruling, but has not decided whether to appeal or not.
The victim’s parents also attended the trial. Her lawyer said that although nothing could bring the girl back, the family has no intention of seeking a harsher sentence for Sokolov.
Professor Oleg Sokolov at the verdict session in the city of Saint Petersburg, Russia, on December 25. Image: AFP.
Sokolov was arrested in November 2019 after being dragged from the frozen Moika River in St. Petersburg by rescue forces and carrying a backpack containing human remains. Later, authorities discovered the intact body of 24-year-old Anastasia Yeshchenko’s victim in Sokolov’s apartment. Sokolov admits that he shot and killed Yeshchenko, but said he committed the crime in a bad mood due to an argument with the student who was also this lover.
Professor Sokolov teaches history at the National University of Saint Petersburg. Petersburg, the alma mater of President Vladimir Putin, and close ties to the government. He is an expert in French military history, having written many books on Napoleon Bonaparte and as a historical adviser to many films. In 2003, French President Jacques Chirac awarded him the medal.
Professor Sokolov and his lover Yeshchenko in a historical incarnation. Image: VK.
According to his colleagues and students, Sokolov is a talented person but has a volatile mindset and is addicted to alcohol. Local media reported that Sokolov assaulted and threatened to kill another woman in 2008, but he was not charged.
Yeshchenko from Krasnodar went to St. Petersburg to study and work with Mr. Sokolov as a researcher. Everyone at the university knew of his relationship with her, but avoided arguing.
Every year, about 16.5 million Russian women are victims of violence, activists say. However, lobbying efforts for a specific law against violence and the protection of victims have not been successful.
Mr. Ngoc (According to the AFP)
