Kostin, the founder and publisher of the Latvian-based newspaper Yeshcho, was arrested on Feb. 4, 1994. He was first detained on Oct. 6, 1993, and held until Oct. 28, 1993, when he was charged with publishing and distributing pornography. His second arrest came about because he continued to publish and distribute Yescho, even though it was never ordered to cease publication. While Kostin awaits trial in jail, in violation of the Russian Processing Code, which sets a maximum term of imprisonment prior to trial at nine months, Yeshcho continues to publish. At each of two hearings in the case, one held in late summer and another in November 1994, the presiding judges denied motions by the defense to release Kostin pending trial.