“Our compatriot will soon return home to his family and friends!” — Butina indicated in her Telegram channel.
She recalled that in 2018, Russian fans Mikhail Ivkin and Pavel Kosov were sentenced to 3 and 10 years in prison, respectively, after they found themselves in the midst of a mass brawl initiated by English fans during the European Football Championship.
“Almost 6 years in prison far from home is an intolerable sentence. Pavel steadfastly withstood many years of trials and the severity of unfair accusations, each time proving that he is a worthy and law-abiding citizen!” - Butina emphasized.
The girl noted that for the last three years the Russian side has tried to help Pavel “with the help of our Brave Heart Foundation,” and they were constantly in touch with his mother and relatives.
“Together with us, systematic support was provided by Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. In February, we launched a fundraiser to pay off the court debt required for parole. Many thanks to everyone who helped and showed concern for the fate of our compatriot - the Russians have once again shown that they do not abandon their own. This is our common victory! #don’t abandon our own,” she concluded.
In December 2020, it was reported that Russian fans Mikhail Ivkin and Pavel Kosov were sentenced to three and ten years in prison following a trial for attacking English fans and participating in riots in Marseille during the 2016 European Football Championship.