Russia to continue probe on 2009 lawyer's death while in detention

Russia to continue probe on 2009 lawyer's death while in detention

2011-05-31 03:18:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- The Russian Prosecutor General's Office on Monday announced that it will continue the investigation on the circumstances of the 2009 death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky while in detention.

According to RIA Novosti, the investigation will continue despite prosecutors cleared earlier on Monday an investigator from any wrongdoing in the case. Oleg Silchenko arrested and brought criminal charges against the lawyer.

Magnitsky, a 37-year-old lawyer, died in 2009 in a Moscow pre-trial detention facility after being denied medical attention for pancreatitis. He was detained as part of an investigation on an embezzlement case.

The late attorney said that he was falsely imprisoned and that the charges were in retaliation from previous embezzlement accusations he made against Interior Ministry officials. Magnitsky added that the same people ordered his detention.

"The Investigative Committee will continue its investigation into Magnitsky's death in pre-trial detention facility," said Committee's spokesman Vladimir Markin. "The investigation is to establish not only circumstances of the lawyer's death, but also circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and extension of his custody."

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev announced that the findings of the Committee's investigation will be made public. He also said that the government will support any investigative action within the bounds of the law and that all those responsible will be prosecuted.

In December 2010, the European Parliament called for sanctions against Russian officials who were involved in the death of corporate attorney Magnitsky who worked for British Investment Company Hermitage Capital management.

The incarceration of Magnitsky last year triggered international criticism as it is believed that his imprisonment was politically motivated. The United States urged Russia to find and bring to justice those responsible for the death of the lawyer and to ensure the fundamental rights of all prisoners.

Medvedev fired several high-ranking prison officials over Magnitsky's death but no one has been arrested so far. He ordered the Investigative Committee to launch a full investigation.

According to the charges, Magnitsky allegedly conspired with Hermitage Capital CEO Bill Browder to set up phony firms to trade shares with the Russian energy giant Gazprom.

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