Prosecution requests life sentences for former Russian senator Rauf Arashukov and his father

The state prosecutor requested a life sentence for Rauf Arashukov, a former senator from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.

Rauf Arashukov is accused of organizing two murders at his father’s, Raul Arashukov’s, behest. The two victims allegedly stood in the way of the criminal group organized by Arashukov, Sr., who also figures as a defendant in the case, facing charges of organized crime as well as stealing 4.4 billion rubles ($70.6 million) worth of natural gas.

The prosecution petitioned the court to sentence both father and son to life in prison, as well as fines of 1 million rubles ($16,000) each. Other defendants in the same case may get up to 25 years in prison.

Rauf Arashukov was arrested in January 2019, during a Federation Council meeting. He considers his case political, and has blamed its instigation on Vyacheslav Derev, his predecessor in the Federation Council, as well as the former interior minister of Karachay-Cherkessia, Kazimir Botashev.

The jury considered the case. Last September, it found both Arashukovs guilty on all charges.