A Texas man who's presently on trial in Russia over youngster abuse allegations plans to take the stand in his personal protection.David Barnes, who has been detained in Moscow for practically two years, is anticipated to testify in entrance of the decide who will resolve his destiny on the conclusion of the bench trial. He's …
A Texas man who’s presently on trial in Russia over youngster abuse allegations plans to take the stand in his personal protection.
David Barnes, who has been detained in Moscow for practically two years, is anticipated to testify in entrance of the decide who will resolve his destiny on the conclusion of the bench trial. He’s slated to be referred to as to the stand after his protection crew wraps up their presentation of proof, although a precise date has not but been decided for the reason that trial shouldn’t be occurring on consecutive days.
Barnes appeared in Savelovsky District Courtroom on Monday, telling an ABC Information reporter as he left the courtroom in handcuffs that he needed to “thank America for all their prayers and assist.”
David Barnes, 65, of Texas is seen right here strolling into courtroom in Moscow, Russia, on Jan. 19, 2023.
ABC Information
He has pleaded not responsible to allegations by Russian prosecutors that he abused his two sons a number of years in the past in Montgomery County, Texas.
Regulation enforcement officers in Texas beforehand investigated these claims once they have been raised by Svetlana Koptyaeva, Barnes’ Russian ex-wife, however discovered no foundation to cost him.
The one prices filed in the USA in reference to the case have been in opposition to Koptyaeva, not Barnes. Montgomery County prosecutors accused Koptyaeva of felony interference with youngster custody for allegedly taking the kids out of the USA throughout a custody dispute.
Koptyaeva has maintained that the kids have been abused, telling ABC Information by e-mail that they “spoke the reality” as a result of “struggling and ache” that she says they skilled.
Barnes is being held in the identical Moscow jail the place Trevor Reed was as soon as detained, however remains to be thought of the first guardian of the kids in Texas.
He says he traveled to Moscow on the finish of 2021 to attempt to achieve custody or visitation rights in a Russian courtroom because of Koptyaeva allegedly taking the kids overseas illegally in 2019. He has stated he was unable to see them regardless of his court-authorized rights within the U.S.
The trial started in November 2022 and has been happening often. The Texas legislation enforcement businesses that didn’t discover trigger to cost Barnes haven’t any involvement within the trial, regardless of the case pertaining to allegations from their state.
The prosecution’s arguments took 10 months to finish as a result of nonconsecutive scheduling. Gleb Glinka, Barnes’ legal professional, started his protection final month and offered paperwork in courtroom on Monday. All courtroom proceedings related to the case are closed to members of the general public, U.S. Embassy officers and the media.
The overwhelming majority of defendants in Russian felony trials are convicted. Barnes faces an in depth sentence in a penal colony if the decide finds him responsible.
Different Individuals like Reed and Brittney Griner have been despatched to distant jail complexes in Mordovia after their convictions earlier than being introduced again to the U.S. by way of prisoner exchanges, whereas American Paul Whelan stays detained in Mordovia.
Barnes’ trial is scheduled to proceed in Moscow on Nov. 20.
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