VILNIUS - A Vilnius court was set this week to begin interrogating several witnesses in the case of suspected threats against the former president by Russian businessman Yury Borisov, including the victim himself - ex-President Rolandas Paksas
After opening hearings in the case earlier on Aug. 10, the court decided to summon Paksas, his former adviser, secretary and other witnesses including officers of the State Security Department to testify in the case that made headlines for five months starting last October and only ended with Paksas' removal from office.
After the state prosecutor read out the indictment, the judge asked Borisov if he admitted his fault concerning threatening Paksas.
Borisov pleaded not guilty and pledged to testify only after all witnesses had been interrogated.
According to reports, the court will have to examine 10 volumes of investigation material.
Borisov, who had been the most generous sponsor of Paksas' election campaign in 2002-03, is suspected of having sought an official position in the president's office through blackmail. It is believed that he acted directly through the then presidential adviser Remigijus Acas and businessman Algirdas Draksas.
If found guilty, Borisov will face a fine or up to two years in prison.
Authorities started the pre-trial investigation in November last year based on materials from the State Security Department that contained data about Borisov's actions against former President Paksas, who was impeached for violations of the constitution and oath of office in April.
Borisov, the head of the Kaunas-based helicopter repair company Avia Baltika, donated 1.2 million litas (350,000 euros) to Paksas' election campaign.
In return, Paksas granted Borisov citizenship after becoming president, but the decree was later invalidated by the Constitutional Court.
Borisov was stripped of his citizenship and ordered out of the country, but he appealed against the court ruling, which has effectively allowed him to remain in the country despite the extradition order.
