While the defence counts this as a major victory, prosecutor Gutsan left the courtroom in a hurry, refusing to comment on the decision.
"This is a major victory for us, and a total defeat for the FSB," said chief defender Yury Schmidt afterwards. "There are no easy victories to be won against the FSB. The judge has made a courageous decision, although not super courageous. To have Aleksandr declared 'not guilty' would of course have been better, but we must understand the enormous pressure against the judge."
"Never before in Soviet and Russian history was an indictment of treason through espionage dismissed by the Court," said Thomas Nilsen, co-author of the Northern Fleet report. "Therefore, today's decision is of historic value."
"Three years of FSB work is utter bullshit"
Aleksandr Nikitin himself was relieved and happy, stressing that although the court decision does not mean an end to the process, this is indeed the greatest victory so far in a series of step-by-step victories. "The Court confirmed our stand, that three years of FSB investigations have created utter bullshit," Nikitin said at the press briefing shortly after the court closed.
"This clearly shows that even the FSB may be fought against victoriously," said Bellona President Frederic Hauge, who stressed that next to the environmental threat, apathy is our future's greatest enemy.
Defence to appeal to the supreme court
"At least we will file a complaint on the prolonged city arrest," said Schmidt, stressing the phrase 'at least'. "We will spend the next few days evaluating our options, starting today, and may well complain on more points."
"The prosecutor too may appeal," said Schmidt. "He may also decide to drop the case. He should, as there are no more facts to find in this case."
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