Two Russian defendants in the “Bariloche sect” case reported alleged judicial irregularities.
Two women charged in the case widely referred to in local media as the “Bariloche sect” spoke publicly this week, alleging irregularities in the handling of their case and describing what they say was abusive treatment during their detention. Both women stated that they had no prior connection to Konstantin Rudnev, who remains a central figure in the prosecution’s narrative.
The statements came from Svetlana Komkova, a translator, and Nadezhda “Angelina” Belyakova, a fashion designer. Speaking on the ATP Stream program Tiempo de Policiales (in Spanish, with translated segments), they said that during the filing of charges they were told that if they were not considered “victims,” they would be treated as “accomplices” of Rudnev. Komkova said multiple detainees were repeatedly asked whether they were victims and replied, “Victims of what?”, adding that they were not given clear explanations at the time.
Allegations About the Arrest Operation and How the Case Began
Komkova and Belyakova also alleged mistreatment during the Federal Police operation in Bariloche, claiming officers shouted, used force, and humiliated them. Komkova said she initially believed it was a robbery because, according to her, officers were not clearly identifiable as police. She also criticized the public circulation of detainee photos, calling it harmful and unfair.
On the origin of the case, Komkova said she arrived in Bariloche as a tourist and was later asked to assist as a translator for a Russian woman identified in the report as Elena Makarova during medical appointments. She argued that hospital interactions were later interpreted in ways she considers unjustified, including an incident involving a “white rose,” which she said is a common gesture of gratitude in Russia but was allegedly viewed as a “secret request for help.”
Both women said the case was built on “interpretations” and “rumors,” not concrete evidence, and repeated that they did not know Rudnev before their arrest. They called for the file to be reviewed, for their dismissals to be granted, and for the case to be closed.
According to reporting cited by Noticias Argentinas, the investigation is handled by the decentralized federal prosecution office in San Carlos de Bariloche, led by prosecutor Fernando Arrigo with assistants Gustavo Revora and Tomás Labal, and overseen by judge Gustavo Zapata. The report notes that Rudnev was previously granted house arrest by a lower decision, later reversed by a higher court at the prosecution’s request.
