French Cyclist Arrested in Russia for Illegal Border Crossing
A French cyclist, in an attempt to set a new world record for crossing Eurasia in the shortest possible time, has been detained in the Russian Far East. Authorities suspect him of having crossed the border illegally. Judicial sources informed the Interfax agency that the Uzzuriysk District Court, in the Primorye region, has ordered pre-trial detention for the cyclist until October 4. Sofiane Sehili, the cyclist, was arrested for allegedly crossing the border illegally in the Primorye region, which borders the Sea of Japan and shares land borders with North Korea and China. The news of the cyclist’s disappearance was made public due to his activity on social media, where he shared daily updates about his trip, having already traveled through countries like China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. This led the Russian authorities to investigate the situation of the French citizen and the conditions of his imprisonment.Naidin also indicated that the detainee’s wife was contacted to inform her that Sehili was doing well and had no health problems. It is speculated that the cyclist may have entered through an incorrect border post, where his electronic visa was not valid. “It is likely that our guards indicated that he should go to another checkpoint, but it is possible that he decided to cross the forest illegally,” added Naidin. Sehili’s route began in Lisbon and was headed for Vladivostok, Russia, located about 150 kilometers from the Chinese border. In his journey, the athlete traveled about 17,000 kilometers in just over 60 days, crossing 17 countries. Previously, Sehili had crossed the Russian border from Georgia and then entered Kazakhstan.“It’s a luminous cell for two people. It’s not alone. The cell is equipped with everything necessary, there’s even a television,” explained Vladimir Naidin, president of the commission that looks after the well-being of detainees and prisoners in the region.
Vladimir Naidin
