Russian mother of kidnapped girl to go on trial in France
Published: 18 May, 2009, 19:19
TAGS: Children, Crime, Scandal, EU, Russia
French officials have accused Irina Belenkaya of kidnapping her own child – three-year-old Liza, or Elise – from her French father Jean-Michel Andre.
“This was a predictable decision, because Irina herself showed eagerness to appear before the French court,” Anatoly Kucherena, lawyer and a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, who is mediating between the spouses in this conflict, said.
Kucherena added that there are three possible ways the situation may develop after her arrival in France. The court may set Belenkaya free; or set her free under judicial control and she would have to register at the police station; or take her into custody.
The lawyer expressed hope that father Jean-Michel Andre will collect his statement from the police because Irina has already signed a draft of a peace agreement. Now, Andre also has to put his signature under the document.
”He promised to do so, and I rely on him,” Kucherena said.
The French law enforcement officers will arrive in Hungary to collect Irina Belenkaya in the next ten days.
”The French lawyers are already waiting for her and they’ll try to strive for the mildest level of restriction for the woman,” Robert Fridman, Belenkaya’s lawyer, said.
 Irina Belenkaya (AFP Photo / Attila Kisbenedek) |
Meanwhile, Jean-Michel Andre welcomed the decision of the Hungarian court.
“The court dismissed the appeal and it means that a long and fruitless period of transition is now completed,” he said.
The man stressed many times that it would be a lot easier to help Irina for the convenience of the child if she admits her guilt and faced French justice.
The story of little three-year-old Liza, or Elise, who was kidnapped to-and-fro by her own parents three times, aroused great public interest in Europe and Russia. The last time the girl was abducted by unknown attackers on March 20 in France.
Her father was beaten up. He said he recognized his ex-wife among the kidnappers.
Irina Belenkaya was arrested in Hungary together with her daughter on April 13 whilst trying to cross the border into Ukraine. Liza has since been returned to Jean-Michel Andre.
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1 comment
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This sad story will show how much russian autorities stick behind their own citizen. Unless the mother is reconized as unfeat to rise her child; Liza, born in Moscow, having a russian mother is first of all a russian citizen and nothing else. It is too earlier to ask that innocent child with whom she want to live. If the parents are too stupid to see what is best for their daugther, peraphs they should neither one of them rise her. On the other hand if the Sarkozyland make of it a political show with its custumory furbery actions, then sanctions must be taken against that country. It is a proud frenchman who make that statement; someone who is getting sick for what has become France, recently... Sincerely. Jean-Claude Meslin
For me it is quite simple, we need do law here, and nothing else. There is way too much politicisation of law, it is the EU stock and trade. If this woman has commited a crime, regardless of which country she comes from. She needs face the music. She stepped into countries, and knew full well their laws and customs. So let the court process now decide what the issues are, and what should be done. Regarding children in general, yes it would be far better, if the parents showed the maturity, to relaise they should close their eyes, for the benefit of the childs welfare. However, unfortunately, we are training people to be for themselves, rather than thinking of the greater good, and cases like this are the outcome. This isn't Frances or anyone else's fault, it is the fault of the individuals involved. It is as simple as that.