French Cyclist Detained in Russias Far East Until Early October Following Illegal Border Crossing Attempt

A French cyclist detained after attempting to enter Russia’s Far East will remain in custody until at least next month, according to Russian state media reports that reference a local court.

Media outlets in France indicated that Sofiane Sehili was apprehended for illegally crossing the Russian border from China while trying to set a record for the fastest endurance cycling route from Lisbon to Vladivostok.

The RIA Novosti news agency informed that a court in Russia’s Primorye region has mandated his pre-trial detention until October 4. The report, which cited the court’s press service, did not disclose the specific charges against Sehili.

State media mentioned that the court hearing occurred earlier in September.

A representative from a government-affiliated prison oversight group, who met with Sehili in custody, shared with AFP that the cyclist possessed a Russian e-visa but had «attempted to cross the border on foot at a checkpoint designated for Russian and Chinese citizens only.»

«He then proceeded to another border point, where it is prohibited to cross by bicycle; transport by train or bus is required,» Vladimir Naidin, a member of the public monitoring commission of the Primorye region, explained to AFP over the phone.

Naidin reported that Sehili was in good health but facing challenges in communicating with prison officials due to the language differences. He is being held in a cell with another prisoner.

«We are keeping a close watch on the situation and are ensuring he receives the same treatment as any Russian citizen,» Naidin remarked.