Russia: Moscow court acquits doctor in Magnitsky case
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 28 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Moscow court acquits doctor in Magnitsky case, 28 December 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/50ed344723.html [accessed 20 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 28, 2012
Prosecutors had already abandoned their case against defendant Dmitry Kratov, the prison medical officer accused of causing the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in prison in 2009.
A Moscow district court has acquitted the former prison medical officer who was charged in connection with the 2009 death of whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, four days after prosecutors effectively abandoned the case.
Dmitry Kratov was the only person tried in connection with Magnitsky's death.
The court's December 28 ruling cited Prosecutor Dmitry Bokov's summation, which said that there was no evidence that Kratov committed a crime or that a lack of medical care contributed to Magnitsky's death.
The lawyer suffered from hepatitis, diabetes, and a heart condition.
Magnitsky's family and supporters have denounced the trial as a sham, according to a press release by his former employer, investment advisory firm Hermitage.
In 2011, Russia's presidential human rights council concluded that Magnitsky was beaten and denied medical care while in custody.
Magnitsky's former colleagues allege he was the victim of retribution by authorities he had accused of stealing $230 million through fraudulent tax refunds.
Based on reporting by AP, ITAR-TASS, Interfax, and RFE/RL
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
