Putin urged to carefully scrutinize Governor’s actions| June 22, 2000

New York—The Human Rights First was deeply disappointed to learn that on June 20 the Qualification Bar of the Russian Federation Supreme Court terminated the powers of Judge Tatyana Loktionova, Chairwoman of the Primorsky Krai Arbitration Court. Regional Governor Yevgeny Nazdratenko initiated this challenge against the Judge after the Arbitration Court ordered the replacement of a management team loyal to the Governor in a bankruptcy case involving a local shipping firm.

Human Rights First considers the Governor’s petition against the Judge to be the latest action in an officially sanctioned campaign against her. "After following this case for nine months it is evident that the Judge has been targeted simply because she follows the law and because she spoke out publicly against the Governor’s intimidation of the judiciary," explained Robert Varenik, Director of Human Rights First’s Protection Program. The facts of the case—including the intimidation of Judge Loktionova and the murder of a lawyer investigating the shipping firm’s management—are summarized in a May 16 letter from Human Rights First to President Putin asking him to review the legality of Governor Nazdratenko’s actions.

Judge Loktionova plans to appeal the Qualifying Bar’s decision within the ten days limit permitted by law. If her appeal fails, President Putin will have the final determination of the Judge’s fitness. Human Rights First urges careful scrutiny of the Governor’s actions, particularly in light of President Putin’s recent commitment to holding regional leaders accountable to Federal law.

"We are watching closely since the outcome of this case serves as a barometer for Putin’s initiatives," stated Varenik. "In his public statements Putin emphasizes the importance of the rule of law but the true test arises when officials like Judge Loktionova come face to face with regional officials accustomed to unchecked power."

Click here to view letter to President Putin.

Click here to view June 2 Media Alert.