Human rights activists win the "tea case" in Krasnodar Territory

The court decisions have been received on the so-called "tea case" in relation to human rights activists of the Krasnodar Territory who had been fined for a non-sanctioned tea-drinking party with foreigners.

Magistrate Judge of Novorossisk Dmitri Dianov, having considered the case in relation to the Karastelyov family, has ruled to stop the litigation against the spouses for absence of any administrative offence elements in their actions, the web portal "Human Rights in Russia" reports.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported earlier that on January 23, 2007, a meeting "with a cup of tea" of human rights activists and students with their guests from Germany at the Erzya Arts School in Novorossisk was interrupted by members of law enforcement bodies in the number of 15 persons under command of FSB Lieutenant Colonel Fedorenko. Since then, the accident has become broadly known as "the tea case."

Mstislav Pomerantsev, a representative of the defence, has informed that Vera Abshtyl, Magistrate Judge of Judicial District No. 81 of the Tsentralny District of Novorossisk, had ruled to bring five participants of the meeting to administrative responsibility under Part 2, Article 20.2, of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation (violation of the order of holding assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, marches or pickets) and imposed fines from 500 to 2000 roubles for organization of and participation in a "non-authorized meeting."