The key facts
- Valeria Chekalina (Lerchek) asks the court to allow travel to China for stomach cancer treatment
- According to TASS, the blogger has a recurrence of the disease and has begun a second line of chemotherapy
- The Moscow City Court will consider appeals against the blogger's sentence on November 17
Going to court over a recurrence
Blogger Valeria Chekalina, known as Lerchek, is seeking court permission to travel to China, where she hopes to receive treatment for an oncological illness. According to TASS, citing her lawyer Viktor Dugin, the reason for the request was a recurrence of stomach cancer: the blogger has already begun a second line of chemotherapy. Chekalina sent the corresponding request to the court by email.
The defense's arguments
The defense links the need for the trip to a shortage of specialists and medications in Russia, which, according to the lawyer, Chekalina needs for treatment. At the same time, it is reported that the Moscow City Court will consider appeals against the blogger's sentence on November 17.
Health condition and an oncologist's opinion
Earlier, Chekalina reported a deterioration in her condition due to the oncological illness. According to her, an examination revealed growth of metastases in several organs, including the adrenal glands and ovaries; metastases were also found again in the lungs. Earlier, an oncologist stated that CAR-T therapy could give Lerchek, who is seriously ill with cancer, an additional chance, but one should not count on a guaranteed recovery: according to the doctor, the method is considered promising, but with an advanced disease it is extremely difficult to achieve a complete cure. Nevertheless, the expert believes, in Chekalina's situation it is justified to consider all available treatment options.
What is important to know
The court's decision will determine whether Chekalina can leave the country for treatment while the sentence has not been overturned: the Moscow City Court will consider the appeals on November 17. The situation touches on the balance between enforcing a court ruling and the convicted person's right to medical care, and the outcome depends on the court's assessment of the defense's arguments about the availability of treatment in Russia. It is not yet known how the court will evaluate the claims about the shortage of specialists and medications, or when a decision on the motion will be made.
