The verdict may be challenged in an appellate instance by both the prosecution and the defense within 10 days from the date when it is pronounced by court, before the verdict becomes fully effective. The review may take a couple of months. The appeals court may send the case
to be tried de novo, explained Alim Bishenov, Managing Partner, BMS Law Firm.

He noted that if Aleksey Ulyukayev does not succeed in changing the verdict within the Russian judicial system, he is entitled to address the European Court of Human Rights.