Russian jailed for party killing

A RUSSIAN national was sentenced to six years imprisonment yesterday for stabbing his compatriot to death during a drunken brawl at a party in Limassol last February.

The Limassol Assizes found 30-year-old Vassili Akaev guilty of the manslaughter of visiting Russian businessman Sergei Malekov, 29, on the night of February 6.

The court heard that Akaev had confessed to stabbing Malekov in the chest during an argument at the home of Russian offshore businessman Sergei Akaranov in the Yermasoyia area.

The court heard that a fight broke out after heavy drinking. Akaev hit Malekov over the head with a bottle, while another Russian guest punched him, police said. In the ensuing struggle, Malekov pulled out a knife, but Akaev grabbed it off him and plunged it into the victim’s chest, the court heard.

Akaev fled the scene with three other Russians, while Malekov was rushed to Limassol hospital, but died on the way there. Akaev was intercepted at a police road block in the Limassol tourist area in the early hours of February 7.

A number of other Russians who were at the party were arrested and held in connection with the killing.

In passing sentence on Akaev, the court noted that he had been provoked by Malekov. The judges also stated the killing had not been premeditated and that Akaev was young, had no previous convictions and had shown clear signs of regret for his actions. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life.

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