Yakunin is considering applying to Norway
The British-Russian businessman and oligarch’s son, Andrey Yakunin (47), was charged with having flown a drone over Norwegian territory while he was on a sailing trip around Spitsbergen in the autumn.
Wednesday he was acquitted.
In an exclusive interview with TV 2 on Thursday evening, Yakunin says that he is considering applying to the Norwegian state.
– I know that I can claim compensation. And I will consider it, says Yakunin.
– Bizarre and unrealistic
On Wednesday, the 47-year-old was released from prison after being in custody for 47 days.
Now he tells what went through his mind when he walked out of the prison gate.
– First of all, I felt enormous joy. And that it is now guaranteed that I will get to spend Christmas and New Year with my family, says Yakunin.
– You have no feeling of anger?
– No, I don’t think anything good comes of being angry.
– Do you find it difficult to understand that you were imprisoned, as a result of the fact that you are a Russian citizen who flies a drone?
– It is quite bizarre and unrealistic that I was imprisoned for who I am, and not what I had done, he says.
Looking for lawyers
A Russian citizen was sentenced to 120 days in prison for flying a drone, while another was sentenced to 90 days in prison for flying a drone in several places in Eastern Norway and Western Norway.
– These cases are quite similar to yours. Why do you think they were convicted and you were acquitted?
– I think that it is primarily thanks to my wonderful defenders, with whom I had the privilege to work. It also seems that the legal practice is not fully formed in this field.
Andrey Yakunin had a total of six lawyers with him in the district court in Tromsø.
– Do you think the reason you were acquitted is that you can afford such top lawyers?
– I think it is important not to simplify it that way. The most important thing is that my lawyers did a good job, with good arguments in the case.
He missed this the most
The oligarch’s son admits that he got a lot of time to think when he was locked up behind high walls.
He missed both business opportunities and important family events.
But he was a little puzzled when he reflects on what he misses the most, while he was imprisoned.
– It’s almost funny that it was my mobile phone. The prison stay made me very aware of how dependent we are on our phones, especially when you are away from your loved ones, says the 47-year-old.
– Has a claim for compensation
The prosecutor, State Attorney Kristin Røhne, is clear that the acquittal will be appealed.
The processing of the appeal to go to Tromsø district court in January.
Yakunin says that he has no experience with the law in this area, but is clear about what he will consider about the acquittal that remains.
– I will consult with those who know the law. And if I am advised to apply for Norway, I will consider it, he says.
One of Yakunin’s defenders, Bernt Heiberg, says that his client is entitled to compensation if the acquittal is upheld.
– If the acquittal stands, he has an objective claim to compensation. Both claims for compensation for the non-financial damages have been little, but also compensation for the financial loss suffered as a result of the criminal prosecution, says Heiberg.