Roman Kovalev, who faced violence from a group of Dagestan natives on a Moscow metro car, described the court ruling as justified in a conversation with a media outlet.
He explained that the defendants faced multiple charges and that several people were injured, making the judgment reasonable. He added that people should pause before acting and consider the consequences, noting that the attackers themselves set the course of events. Kovalev reflected on the moment, saying he did not drown in the incident and that his focus remains on the outcome rather than the immediate injuries.
Regarding the non-pecuniary damage claim, Kovalev said he could not yet confirm the outcome. He hoped the attorney would review the court papers that day and provide clearer guidance on potential compensation.
He emphasized that his stance toward the young woman involved would not change with time, insisting that neighbors deserve support and that justice should prevail in ongoing disputes.
The discussion also touched on how Kovalev’s life unfolded after the subway incident that drew broad attention.
He described rebuilding his life from scratch, securing work at a fitness club as a trainer, and continuing to manage residual health challenges. He reported occasional minor blood pressure drops and noted a loss of sensation in part of his face where surgery had occurred. Visually, the situation resembles the two-year mark prior to the incident, though the internal changes linger.
harsh sentence
Three individuals from Dagestan were involved in the assault on Kovalev aboard the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line in October 2021. Court records indicate a conviction on March 14, 2022 by the Izmailovski Court. One defendant, Magamali Khanmagomedov, was found guilty of attempted murder in a group with hooligan motives, violence against a government official, and insulting a police officer. The judge ordered a total of 12 years in a strict regime colony, with additional penalties applied to the case.
A second defendant, Ibragim Musaliev, received an 11-year sentence in a strict regime colony for threats of murder, attempted murder, and assaulting a Ministry official.
The third sentence was handed to Gasan Zalibekov, who was found guilty only of attempted murder and received 8.5 years in prison, plus a one-year post-release freedom restriction for the three defendants.
“They are discrediting the youth of Dagestan”
In the early days of October 2021, a loud confrontation occurred during a ride from Izmailovskaya to Pervomaiskaya, near Moscow. Khanmagomedov, Musaliev, and Zalibekov allegedly insulted women using obscene language. When a passenger challenged them, threats followed, and Kovalev stood up for the woman and sustained a severe beating in the process. The incident was captured on video, showing continued blows to Kovalev even as he lay on the floor, with one attacker threatening others who might intervene.
The assailants attempted to flee but were detained by police. One defender attempted to strike a Ministry of Interior employee with a knife, while another sprayed pepper spray at officers. Initial charges included hooliganism, but the case was later reopened under articles related to attempted murder and resistance to arrest after intervention by a high-ranking official. The Investigative Committee described the pivot in charges as a justified response to the public impact of the case.
During the investigation, the suspects offered competing versions of their involvement. One admitted to fighting, another claimed to have only stood by for protection, and a third said he tried to separate the combatants. All three expressed remorse for their actions.
Dagestan’s Minister of National Policy and Religious Affairs, Enrik Muslimov, commented that the perpetrators harmed themselves and their families, stressing the damage their actions caused to the region’s youth. He noted strong public outrage in Dagestan over the incident and the behavior of the young men involved.
The incident left Kovalev hospitalized. Investigative officials later awarded him a courage medal, and the city’s mayor pledged financial support. Kovalev was thanked for protecting the injured party during the altercation, and authorities indicated ongoing care and recognition would continue as part of the healing process.
As the case progressed, officials and observers highlighted the lasting impact on the community and the need for accountability in public spaces. The broader conversation focused on how to preserve safety, deter violence, and uphold fairness for all involved. The recovery continued as Kovalev navigated his daily life, work, and the emotional aftermath of the attack. The story underscored the collective effort to maintain justice and support those who stand up for others in moments of danger. [citation: TASS]