French Cyclist Freed After Russia Border Conviction | JQJO

French endurance cyclist Sofiane Sehili, 44, was freed by a Primorye court after seven weeks in detention on suspicion of illegally crossing Russia’s border. The court said he admitted guilt, was found guilty under Article 322, and was released in the courtroom, exempted from a 50,000-ruble fine because of time served. His bicycle, passport, e-visa copy and electronics were returned. Earlier rulings extended his custody and rejected an appeal. Sehili had been attempting a Lisbon-to-Vladivostok record ride, posting until Sept. 1 from China. He had earlier been pictured behind bars in cycling shoes.