KRASNODAR. Feb 3 (Interfax) - Former policeman Ilya Galkin and cameraman Mikhail Denisenko, who organized a series of explosions in Sochi in 2008-2009, were sentenced to life imprisonment and 21.5 years of imprisonment, respectively, on Friday, an Interfax correspondent said.
The Krasnodar Territory Court found the men guilty of killing two or more persons, attempted murder, and the unlawful manufacturing, transportation and possession of explosive devices.
Galkin and Denisenko are also charged with deliberate property destruction or damage. Galkin was also found guilty of a number of counts of causing grievous bodily harm and theft.
Between April 2008 and February 20, 2009, the accused made at least nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and staged a series of explosions in Sochi, according to the indictment. The majority of the IEDs were planted in daily-use objects left out in the street, such as a cigarette case, a flask, or an electrical torch.
A total of 14 people were killed and another 20 sustained various injuries as a result of the joint actions of the accused, as well as the crimes Galkin committed on his own.
In particular, Galkin killed and dismembered the body of his brother, and used a flare pistol to kill three men and two women with no fixed residence, and caused severe injuries to one person.
At the trial, which lasted for over three years, Galkin and Denisenko pleaded partially guilty. Both were recognized as mentally fit to stand trial.
In delivering the verdict, the court took into account a number of extenuating circumstances for Denisenko. For instance, it was Denisenko's true testimony to the investigators and the court, which helped uncover the full picture of the crimes and brutal murders.
Galkin will serve his life sentence at a maximum-security prison, Denisenko will serve his term at a high-security prison.