MP’s ‘Russian spy’ bail relaxed
By politics.co.uk staff
A suspected Russian spy could work for the Russia Today broadcaster while she awaits her deportation hearing.
Katia Zatuliveter, the 25-year-old former researcher for Liberal Democrat backbencher Mike Hancock, had her bail conditions relaxed at a hearing on Friday.
A source had told the Sunday Times newspaper her presence in Britain was “not conducive to national security” because of her connections to the Russian intelligence services. It added last December: “The intention is to show her the door.”
Ms Zatuliveter was granted bail on condition that she does not travel, work or meet with anyone other than family, doctors and lawyers.
On Friday a hearing at the special immigration appeals commission reconsidered those terms, giving her the right to work freely.
She is expected to apply for a job at Russia Today as a result. Judge Mitting, who presided over the hearing, said: “I am very keen she should be free to work in a job that does not, in the view of the secretary of state, propose a risk to national security.”
Russian officials continue to insist Ms Zatuliveter is innocent – and point to her enthusiasm for wanting to remain in Britain as the behaviour of someone who has nothing to hide.
She must wait until October before being able to challenge her deportation. The Russian RIA Novosti news agency reported the case could not be heard until then because a senior British intelligence official is otherwise engaged and cannot give evidence earlier.
