Farewell, Contingent Support, and Calls for Change in a Turbulent Case
A senior director, Evgenia Berkovich, was released from the pre-trial detention center to say goodbye to her grandmother, the writer Nina Katerli. A Telegram post from St. Deputy Boris Vishnevsky noted the moment, highlighting how family ties and the stakes of the case intersect in a tense public moment.
The farewell took place at the crematorium, marking a somber milestone in the ongoing proceedings. Family members were first admitted to the hall for the private farewell, after which Zhenya Berkovich was escorted out so that other relatives could pay their respects to the grandmother and to the mother, Elena Efros. The sequence of access to the hall became a point of discussion among observers and advocates connected to the case.
Vishnevsky explained that the arrangement allowed the closest family to say their goodbyes before others were permitted into the space. This detail underscored the highly controlled nature of the proceedings and the sensitivity surrounding the individuals involved in the case, including the playwright Svetlana Petriychuk.
Nina Katerli, a respected writer and human rights advocate, was laid to rest after a long life of contributions to culture and civil society. Her passing drew attention from a wide circle of cultural figures, journalists, and human rights activists, who recognized her impact and legacy in public life and the arts.
In the days that followed, an open letter circulated among prominent cultural figures and rights advocates, urging authorities to reconsider the pre-trial detention measures affecting Svetlana Petriychuk and Evgenia Berkovich. The letter was sent to the Commissioner for Human Rights, with requests to review the restrictions that limit movement and conduct while investigations proceed. The appeal emphasized a belief in proportional, fair treatment and the need to avoid imposing excessive restrictions on individuals who rely on family care and dependents at home.
The open letter stressed that two grandmothers require care and two adopted daughters depend on the guidance and support of the detained artists. It called for a measured approach that balances public safety with humanitarian considerations, arguing for careful assessment of the preventive measures in light of these family responsibilities and the individuals’ professional and civic contributions.
Additionally, reporters and observers noted concerns about the condition of other public figures tied to the case, including a former friend of a prominent television host, Nikolai Drozdov. Updates indicated that there were reports about the worsening health of some parties involved in the broader discussion, which further complicated the public discourse around the case and its broader cultural implications.
Across cultural media and rights circles, the event and the subsequent appeals sparked renewed dialogue about how pre-trial detention is used in sensitive cases, and how the courts balance individual rights with the seriousness of allegations. Supporters argued that the focus should remain on due process, humane treatment, and timely adjudication, while critics urged clarity about the reasons behind the restrictions and the conditions that might lead to their modification.