British authorities have softened bail terms for alleged Russian spy Yekaterina (Katya) Zatuliveter and allowed her a job interview with the Russia Today English-language television channel.
Zatuliveter, 25, an aide to Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock who sits on the influential Defense Select Committee, was detained on December 2 and released on bail on December 13.
Friday's hearings in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission reconsidered the bail terms for Zatuliveter, whom the British Home Office sees as a threat to national interests and seeks to deport. Upon her release in December, Zatuliveter was banned from traveling, working or meeting anyone but family, doctors and lawyers.
Judge John Mitting said Zatuliveter should have the right to work freely. Under the new terms, the Russian citizen will have to obtain permission for job interviews and inform the British authorities about all her business meetings post factum.
As for visits to government sites such as Westminster Abbey where parliament sits, Zatuliveter will have to apply for permission well in advance.
Zatuliveter has officially denied accusations that she used her position as a British lawmaker's aide to spy for Russia and filed an appeal against deportation procedures.
Hearings in the case cannot be held until October 18-21 as one of the main witnesses, a senior British intelligence official, is otherwise engaged and can give testimony no earlier.
LONDON, February 11 (RIA Novosti)
