Nikolay Baluev

Novosibirsk nationalist Nikolai Baluev was detained and imprisoned on suspicion of preparing a number of terrorist acts together with the nationalist Vyacheslav Rusakov. He was charged under article 30, paragraph "a" of part 2 of article 205 of the Criminal Code ("Preparation for an act of terrorism, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy"), part 2 of article 223 of the Criminal Code (illegal manufacture of explosive devices as part of a group of persons by prior conspiracy), as well as part 2 of article 222 of the Criminal Code ("Illegal possession of weapons and explosives"). According to the investigation, Baluev together with Vyacheslav Rusakov planned the explosions of the Novosibirsk and Altai departments of the FSB, the railway, the dam of the Novosibirsk hydroelectric power plant, as well as the residence of the Plenipotentiary Envoy in the Siberian Federal District, which were scheduled for 9 May 2005. During the search Baluev and Rusakov also seized a large amount of special literature: manuals on explosive operations, the book "Rail War", textbooks on the actions of guerrilla and sabotage groups. In addition, about 20 kg of hexogen, TNT and aluminium powder, improvised explosive devices, a small-calibre rifle, gas pistols converted to fire live ammunition, a "Udar" pistol converted to fire metal balls and four artillery shells were found in the flats of the Natsbols and in four special caches in the suburban forest belt of Novosibirsk. Later, two psychological and psychiatric examinations declared him insane due to a disorder of mental activity, and he was placed on compulsory treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Since at the time of the expertise the case had already been transferred to court, the trial was adjourned. Baluev's case was separated from Rusakov's case. After the end of treatment in the psychiatric hospital Baluev was again transferred to the pre-trial detention centre, where his condition deteriorated sharply - he was hospitalised in the prison hospital "'in a severe form of mental illness of a relapsing form'". At the hospital Baluev was diagnosed with meningitis and pneumonia. Nikolai's condition was assessed as serious. He was completely immobile and could only take liquid food with the help of medical staff. On 22 July 2008 the case was resumed and transferred to the FSS, the investigation continued. In November 2008, his measure of restraint was changed to a signature not to leave due to his state of health. Subsequently, doctors decided that Baluev had fully recovered from a serious illness. The investigative authorities excluded the article on terrorism from the charges. In April 2014, the case was brought to the Kalininsky District Court of Novosibirsk, where, at Baluev's request, it was considered under a special procedure, without a judicial investigation. On 21 May 2014, the Kalininsky District Court of Novosibirsk passed a guilty verdict against N.N. Baluev, who was found guilty of committing a crime under part 2 of article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal acquisition, carrying and storage of ammunition and explosives, by a group of persons by prior conspiracy) and was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months' deprivation of liberty. His time in custody and his treatment in a psychiatric hospital were included in the sentence, and he has therefore served the sentence of deprivation of liberty imposed by the court in full.