Human Rights First Rights Group Condemns Threats Against Judiciary in Russia

Clinton Urged to Address this Issue during his Meetings with Putin in Moscow

New York, June 2, 2000—Human Rights First urged President Putin in a recent letter to take appropriate measures to ensure the independence of the Judiciary in Primorye, the far east region of Russia.

After six months of investigations, Human Rights First verified complaints that the Governor of that region, Yevgeny Nazdratenko, intimidates judges through smear campaigns in the local government-controlled media, direct threats by police and government officials, fabricated criminal charges and physical violence. There appears to be a concomitant failure to investigate such attacks.

"This strong-arm Governor appears to operate without any external controls, giving him free reign to threaten anyone who challenges his status quo," said Robert O. Varenik, Director of Human Rights First’s Protection Program. A press release issued by the Governor reports that the police and other local officials have been ordered "not to execute court orders," and further acknowledges that "this decision from my side is not exactly legal."

One of the Governor’s targets, Tatyana Loktionova, chair of the Primorsky Krai Arbitration Court, came under attack after her court issued a September 1999 decision that effectively terminated the government-supported management team of a local shipping company. A lawyer preparing to present evidence against the Governor during the trial died in a bomb blast, which has not been investigated. Immediately following the court’s decision in that case, the Governor filed a petition, which is still pending, with the Supreme Qualifying Bar Association of the Russian Federation seeking to terminate Judge Loktionova’s powers. In protest against the Governor, 29 of the Judge’s colleagues began a hunger strike.

The Governor’s recent attempts to suppress the judiciary take place against the changing political backdrop where the newly elected President Putin recently announced measures to exert more control over regional leaders. Human Rights First hopes that there will be a federal commitment to hold local governments accountable, which would reverse the current pattern of harassment unleashed by Governor Nazdratenko.

During President Clinton’s visit to Moscow, Human Rights First urges him to raise the need to restore the independence of the judiciary. "Without the rule of law you can see the growing instability that undermines democracy and the economy, and ultimately human rights," added Varenik.