The veteran Russian dissident Vladimir Bukovsky has failed to appear in court over charges of possessing indecent images of children.
Magistrates were told that Bukovsky, 72, had been flown to Germany after reportedly suffering renal failure for medical treatment at a private hospital.
The case against him was adjourned until 22 May by the court in Cambridge.
Bukovsky fled to Britain in 1976 after exposing Soviet misuse of psychiatry and has lived in the UK ever since.
He had been due to answer 11 separate charges of making and possessing indecent images of children and prohibited images.
The alleged offences have been charged under various laws including the Protection of Children Act 1978, Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
Last month, Bukovsky issued a statement pleading his innocence. He said: “I categorically deny making any indecent or prohibited photographs, pseudo-photographs or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
“These shocking allegations have been made at a time when I am suffering from grave illness and my chances of survival are still uncertain. Nevertheless, I intend to defend myself vigorously on all charges.”
