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French Ultracyclist Sofian Sehili Leaves Russia After Illegal Border-Crossing Conviction

The 44-year-old had been detained in Primorsky Krai since early September for crossing outside an official checkpoint.

Overview

  • A Border District Court in Primorsky Krai found Sehili guilty under Article 322 and issued a 50,000‑ruble fine that was credited to time served, leading to his release in the courtroom.
  • Prosecutors had requested a 100,000‑ruble penalty, which the court did not impose.
  • His lawyer said he flew from Vladivostok to Phuket en route to France because direct flights to Europe are unavailable, departing before his visa was due to expire.
  • Reports indicate he was turned back at the Suifenhe checkpoint and then crossed through a forested section of the RussiaChina border, after which he was detained and held in a Ussuriysk SIZO with a visit from France’s honorary consul.
  • Sehili began a trans‑Eurasia record attempt from near Lisbon on July 1 toward Vladivostok, and he later described the court’s decision as fair and said he felt relieved.