#16
Writer Sorokin refuses to testify on his case
MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - Writer Vladimir Sorokin has refused to testify on the pornography distribution charge brought against him.
"I have refused to testify on this disgraceful case. I think it is humiliating for me, as a writer, Russian literature in general, and our glorious investigators, who have unexpectedly taken notice of creative writing," Sorokin told the press. He was summoned for questioning by the Main Investigation Division of the Moscow Interior Department on Monday.
Sorokin said he did not wish to take part in "the theatre of the absurd."
The writer's lawyer Genrikh Padva told the press that Sorokin exercised his right provided in Article 51 of the Russian Constitution, which provides for the immunity of witnesses. "A citizen of the Russian Federation has the right to refuse from testifying against himself, his near and family members, and we have exercised this right," Padva said.
The writer was summoned for questioning in connection with the criminal proceedings instituted against him on the basis of Article 242 of the Russian Criminal Code (the distribution of pornography). The criminal proceedings are based on the statement of experts, who found pornographic extracts in Sorokin's book "Goluboye Salo" (Blue Lard).
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