Center for Civil Society International ([email protected])
Thu, 29 Oct 1998 10:31:14 -0800 (PST)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 17:54:38 +0100
From: The Bellona Foundation <[email protected]>
Subject: Nikitin trial: Total FSB defeat in court
Total FSB defeat in court:
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Judge rejects three years of FSB investigations
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After more than two hours of deliberation this afternoon,
Judge Golets, concluded that the indictment was too unclear
and that the court could not accept any of the expert
conclusions. He therefore dismissed all the evidence
presented in the indictment and sent the case back to the
prosecution for further investigations.
"This is a major victory for us, and a total defeat for the
FSB," said chief defender Yury Schmidt afterwards. "There
are no easy victories to be won against the FSB. The judge
has made a courageous decision, although not super courageous.
To have Aleksandr declared 'not guilty' would of course have
been better, but we must understand the enormous pressure
against the judge."
"Never before in Soviet and Russian history was an indictment
of treason through espionage dismissed by the Court," said
Thomas Nilsen, co-author of the Northern Fleet report.
"Therefore, today's decision is of historic value."
Aleksandr Nikitin himself was relieved and happy, stressing
that although the court decision does not mean an end to the
process, this is indeed the greatest victory so far in a series
of step-by-step victories. "The Court confirmed our stand,
that three years of FSB investigations have created utter
bullshit," Nikitin said at the press briefing shortly after
the court closed.
"This clearly shows that even the FSB may be fought against
victoriously," said Bellona President Frederic Hauge, who
stressed that next to the environmental threat, apathy is
our future's greatest enemy.
"At least we will file a complaint on the prolonged city
arrest," said Schmidt, stressing the phrase 'at least'.
"We will spend the next few days evaluating our options,
starting today, and may well complain on more points."
"The prosecutor too, may appeal," said Schmidt. "He may
also decide to drop the case. He should, as there are no
more facts to find in this case."
Press conference Nikitin case, Friday 30. October 14.00 (Moscow time, GSM+3)
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Present Alexander Nikitin, Yuri Schmidt, Ivan Pavlov and Bellona
At the lawyers collegium, Address: ul.Furmanova 6a, 3 etg., St. Petersburg
More info tel +47 905 55834, +47 901 14675, +47 900 37543
More info: http://www.bellona.no/e/russia/nikitin/
Regards, The Bellona Foundation
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Fax: +47 22383862 Phone: +47 23234600
Snail mail: BELLONA, Box 2141 Grunerlokka, N-0505 Oslo, Norway
Email: [email protected] WWW: http://www.bellona.no/
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