Andrey Chikatilo, aged 57 and of Ukrainian nationality, was sentenced to death on 15 October 1992 by Rostov Regional Court. He had been found guilty of murdering 52 people in southern Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan between 1978 and 1990. Psychiatric examinations conducted both before and during the trial found that he was sane enough to be held accountable for his actions and fit to stand trial. His lawyer disputes these findings and has announced that he will lodge an appeal against the verdict. AI opposes the death penalty without exception and is calling on the Russian authorities to commute the sentence.
