N. Bahtiyarov witness testimony

Russian

Sheet 82

Protocol
witness testimony

On 10 March 1959 the prosecutor criminologist of Sverdlovsk region Jr Counselor of Justice Tempalov interrogated in Ivdel as a witness, with the observance of art. 162-168 Code of Criminal Procedure of the RSFSR

1. Surname, name and middle name: Bahtiyarov Nikita Vladimirovich
2. Year of birth 1929
3. Place of birth: Ivdel district on 1 dam
4. Nationality: Mansi
5. Political affiliation: none
6. Education (what school graduated from and when): 4th grade
7. Occupation a) currently - place of work and position: hunter
   b) at the moment of the events: the same.
8. Criminal record: no
9. Permanent residence (exact address and phone number): city of Ivdel village of 1st dam
10. Passport: no
11. Relation to the accused: stranger

On the responsibility of the first part of Art. 92 of the RSFSR Criminal Code for refusing to testify and under Art. 95 RSFSR Criminal Code for knowingly giving false testimony. Signature.

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The witness testified: I understand Russian language, don't need an interpreter.

Answering the questions at hand. I learned that they are looking for the hikers on 21 or 22/II-59 and at this time I was in Bahtiyarovs yurt in the upper Vizhay. I arrived there on 20 or 21/II-59 at my sister's Nina Bahtiyarova. I went there with Pyotr Yakimovich Bahtiyarov, Nikolay and Procopiy for deer - we hunt then in the forest 8 km from the yurts. When we left the helicopter flew over and when they came back to the yurts we learned from the women that they are looking for the hikers. Hikers have stayed previously at Pyotr Bahtiyarov and then have gone somewhere. I don't know and I didn't ask where did they go. I live on Ivdel river close to 1st dam about 60 km from Vizhay. I heard that they suspect that Mansi scared the hikers and they died. I don't believe this to be true. There is not a single case where Mansi attacked Russians, there is no reason for this. Mansi payer mountain is located near the Bahtiyarovs yurts 30 km in the upper Vizhay river. On this mountain no one is forbidden to go Russian men and women, same as the Mansi. This mountain has never been guarded. There aren't any valuable things there. How it was before

Sheet 83

I don't know. The prayer stones have never been moved, or rather they can not be moved and Mansi go to this mountain, but such religious Mansi are not that many. There aren't any other sacred Mansi places. How did the mansi hikers died I don't know, but that they were killed by hand of a Mansi, I don't think this possible, and Mansi won't allow it.

it is recorded correctly and I have read it.

Signature

Prosecutor: signature

Russian