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The rector of Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service (VSUES) Gennady Lazarev faces a criminal investigation on charges of interference and impediment with a court bailiff’s activities and his illegal temporary detainment on the university’s premises.

Primorye’s regional court on May 4 considered the investigators’ appeal to file a case against Lazarev and agreed to launch criminal proceedings, finding proof of law violations in his case, prosecutors said.

Lazarev is accused of illegal detainment of a person who was performing his official duties. The conflict was initiated in July 2007 between VSUES and the construction company Stroibusinessgroup who claimed ownership for one of VSUES’ premises. According to the court ruling, the bailiff and representatives of Stroibusinessgroup arrived to occupy the premises. Lazarev ordered the university’s security guards to detain the bailiff in one of the university rooms thus violating the law regarding personal immunity and impeding with actions of a person performing his official duties.

The university’s press service told reporters on Wednesday that Stroibusinessgroup’s claims for the premises did not have any grounds and the court ruling concerning the premises was wrong.

The criminal investigation against Lazarev, who is also Primorye’s Duma deputy, is underway.