Russians arrested in Hamburg unrest, face up to 10 years in prison

Two Russians arrested after the riots in Hamburg, which took place on the eve of and during the recent G20 summit, may face six months to ten years in prison, as stated by the official representative of the Hamburg prosecutor’s office Nana Frombach.

According to her, ten years is the maximum period to which detainees can be sentenced, but the final decision will be made by the court after the investigation is completed and formal charges are brought.

Both prisoners are currently being held in pre-trial detention. They are suspected of resisting and causing serious bodily harm to the police. According to law enforcement agencies, the Russians threw bottles at police.

The police detained a total of six Russian citizens in connection with the riots in Hamburg. Four were released soon afterwards.

During the protests in connection with the G20 summit, which took place on July 7-8, the protesters – mostly left-wing extremists – fought with police in the streets, burned cars, and broke into and looted shops in the areas near the venue where the summit was held. The police used water cannons and tear gas. A special commission is investigating the riots.

As was already reported, Germany has asked the EU for help in investigating the unrest in Hamburg.

  Germany, Hamburg unrest, G20

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