Volgograd Court Reveals Reason for Kaustik Director's Rehearing

The criminal case against Eldor Azizov, general director of the Kaustik plant, accused of sexual intercourse with a minor, has been sent back for consideration to the Central District Court. A different judge is presiding over the proceedings.

Information about the intimate relationship appeared in anonymous Telegram channels in late October 2024. Soon after, a criminal case was opened against Azizov under Part 1 of Article 134 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which concerns sexual acts with a person under 16 years of age.

The only comment from the accused was conveyed through the enterprise«s press service: «I don»t know what these people are trying to achieve. I can say that I saw the victim for the first time in my life at the court hearing. I cannot comment further on the case while the trial is ongoing. I wouldn«t wish this on anyone; anyone could find themselves in such a situation.»

Initially, the case materials were submitted to the same court, but Judge Roman Khomutov returned them to the prosecutor due to violations in the drafting of the indictment. The prosecution appealed this decision, but the Volgograd Regional Court upheld it.

According to an anonymous source familiar with the proceedings, Azizov«s lawyers presented evidence of an alibi. Investigators then gathered materials refuting these arguments and re-submitted the case to court. The proceedings are currently ongoing, and according to the source, they are approaching the midpoint.