The Deputy Minister of Health, Maxim Asriyan, has been released on bail by the first Western military court in Saint Petersburg. The court found him innocent of attempted bribery or coercion, as well as abuse of power. This decision was reported by Delovoy Peterburg on January 18.

However, Asriyan was sentenced to 8 years in prison for embezzlement. The court’s decision states that for the first 2.5 years, he will be under house arrest, and the remainder of his sentence will be served in a strict regime prison.

It is worth noting that Asriyan has signed a cooperation agreement with the investigation in relation to pre-trial cooperation. The prosecution had initially requested a 14-year prison term for the charge of embezzlement.

Asriyan was arrested on October 7 at Pulkovo Airport, following his suspicious activities near the home of the leader of the Northern Capital’s commune a week prior. Investigative materials revealed that Asriyan had engaged in a telephone conversation with associates, discussing means of eliminating evidence. On October 1, he was observed visiting the grave of a deceased relative, but his actions were thwarted by the surveillance of Russian guard personnel.

The doctor’s mental health deteriorated to the point where he attempted suicide due to the pressure of media publications. During the trial in December 2023, he was also charged with contempt of court. According to experts, Asriyan was found to be providing support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and expressed disappointment in the current government. Although he had previously held nationalistic sentiments, he claims to have severed ties with nationalistic organizations.