In Kalmykia, Burulov's claim on defence of honour and dignity denied

The court has rejected the claim lodged by Mayor of Elista against mass media on defence of his honour, dignity and business reputation.

The claim stated that on November 16, 2009, the Internet portal "PolitRus" published an article entitled "Boss, Game Is Over!" signed by Nikolai Bembeev and presenting information about Mayor Radij Burulov. In particular, it was reported that Mayor of Elista planned emigrating to the USA and, thus, escape justice. The publication was completely reprinted by several other newspapers.

In his claim Mr Burulov asked to recognize the information disseminated about to be false, discrediting his honour, dignity and business reputation. The claimant also asked to oblige the media to publish a refutation and to collect from them collectively 100,000 roubles as compensation of moral damage.

The Elista City Court refused, by its decision of March 5, 2010, to satisfy Mr Burulov's claim. The Mayor's defence has not yet decided whether they will appeal against the decision of the City Court.

See earlier reports: "Elista Mayor wants to be Kalmykia's Prime Minister", "Mayor of Kalmykia's capital is left at large on bail", "Elista Mayor arrested again in Kalmykia".