The veteran Russian dissident Vladimir Bukovsky is to be prosecuted for making and possessing indecent images of children. The Crown Prosecution Service has drawn up charges against Bukovsky, 72, involving five counts of making indecent images of children, five of possessing of indecent images of children and one of possession of a prohibited image.
Bukovsky, who moved to Britain in 1976 after exposing Soviet misuse of psychiatry against political prisoners, lives in Cambridge. He denies the charges.
Jenny Hopkins, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in the east of England, said: “Following an investigation by Cambridgeshire police, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute Vladimir Bukovsky in relation to the alleged making and possessing of indecent images of children.
“It is alleged that, collectively, the images meet the definition of categories A, B and C, as defined by Sentencing Council guidelines. The decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the code for crown prosecutors.”
Bukovsky has been summoned to appear at Cambridge magistrates court on 5 May 2015 to answer charges under the Protection of Children Act 1978, the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The offences are said to have occurred on or before 28 October 2014.
Hopkins added: “May I remind all concerned that Mr Bukovsky has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Bukovsky said: “I categorically deny making any indecent or prohibited photographs, pseudo-photographs or videos of children. Indeed, I had no contact with any children whatsoever for very many years.
“These shocking allegations have been made at the time when I am suffering from a grave illness and my chances of survival are still uncertain. Nevertheless, I intend to defend myself vigorously on all charges.”
