A representative of Skinest Rail at Monday's hearing in the Limbaži Regional Court in Latvia asked the judge to separate the Estonian company's case from the Magonis bribery case. The representative argued that under Latvian criminal procedure law, legal entities that are registered in foreign countries cannot be tried in Latvian courts and have to stand trial in their countries of registration.

The representative also said that in order to hear the case, it will be necessary to summon at least 12 witnesses who are Estonian citizens, and that the company needs to undergo an audit that can only be carried out in Estonia.

The judge of the Limbaži court granted the request, but dismissed a request made repeatedly by the lawyers of Estonian businessman Oleg Ossinovski, owner of Skinest Rail, to also separate the case of Ossinovski for hearing in Estonia.

Jelena Kvjatkovska, lawyer for Ossinovski, asked permission for her client to participate in future court proceedings by means of a video conference. This request was granted partially, the judge indicating that Ossinovski will still be required to attend some hearings in person, but that he will be able to use video conferencing in other proceedings.

The next hearing of the case in the Limbaži court is scheduled for Jan. 26.