WASHINGTON—The new conviction of Mikhail Khodorkovsky by a Russian court today has again highlighted the need for greater protections for human rights and rule of law in Russia, leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) said. “Today’s conviction shows Russia has missed an important opportunity to reverse course and demonstrate that the Russian leadership is serious about promoting free speech and human rights,” said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Helsinki Commission. “Mr. Khodorkovsky remains a victim of a judicial system that has failed to put the rule of law before political whims." Nearly seven years after Khodorkovsky, once the head of Russia’s largest and most profitable oil company, was arrested during a speaking tour promoting civic participation, prosecutors brought new charges of money-laundering against him that could now leave him in a Siberian prison for 22 years. “President Medvedev’s call for respect for the rule of law in Russia needs to be followed by concrete deeds,” Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) said. “Today’s conviction means Khodorkovsky will continue to be a political prisoner of the Kremlin and his case further taints Russia’s human rights record.” At a recent hearing entitled “Legal Hooliganism – Is the Yukos show trial finally over?” Commissioners heard from Vadim Klyuvgant, Khodorkovsky’s lead defense attorney, who laid out a laundry list of procedural violations in his client’s case. Khodorkovsky’s defense team has said the judge in this case has been “willfully blind to the many violations that have contaminated the process from the investigatory stage to the ongoing trial. Wrongly asserting that it is not within his purview to do so, the judge has failed to exercise his authority to cure even the most egregious flaws pointed out by the defense.”

WASHINGTON--Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) expressed concern today in advance of the Romanian Senate's consideration of a proposal to change the term used for one of the country's largest ethnic minorities, Roma, to "Tsigan" -- a term widely viewed as pejorative by Romani communities, including those in the United States. "I was stunned to hear that Romania is considering changing the official term used for Roma to 'Tsigan,'" said Commission Chairman Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD). "Ostensibly, this change would prevent people from confusing members of the ethnic Roma minority with members of the ethnic Romanian majority. This makes no sense, especially since the term 'Roma' has become the term most widely used by Romani organizations internationally and is used by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe." The current legislative proposal comes at a time when Romanian nationals are facing escalating bigotry in some other EU countries. Earlier this year, France targeted Roma from Romania for ethnically-based expulsion. Co-Chairman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) said, "The change of terms being considered seems to be really about stoking prejudice against Romania's largest and most persecuted minority. The argument that the term Roma is confusing just doesn't hold up. No one in Rome is demanding that Romania change its name because their similar city and country names are 'too confusing.' This proposal would essentially return Romania to a discredited policy of the communist government of Ion Iliescu."  In 1995, a Romanian government decree directed that Roma could not be identified in official documents by the name "Roma" but instead had to be called "Tsigan," a word of Greek origin that is considered offensive to many Roma. Numerous Romani NGOs and the U.S. delegation denounced the decree during a meeting on tolerance convened in Bucharest in May 1995. After the 1996 elections, the decree fell into disuse and, in September 1999, the Minister for National Minorities  formally recommended that the government use the term "Rom/Tsigan" in official documents.

WASHINGTON -- At a hearing today of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), Co-Chairmen Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) called for clarity in a coordinated United States and European Union policy toward the countries of the Western Balkans.  Photos from the hearing are available here. The countries covered included Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Co-Chairman Hastings argued that renewed conflict in the region must be made inconceivable; the countries concerned must see their future in Europe and organized crimes and official corruption must be tackled.  Hastings also told the witness, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Tom Countryman, that active U.S. engagement should not merely legitimize the European Union’s approach to the Balkans but also “make the EU approach more substantive and more constructive in the process.”  Chairman Cardin called for clarity in U.S. and EU policies, arguing that “these countries need a concrete sense of direction” and that “ambiguities are obviously used by politicians in the Western Balkans to their own advantage.”  Countryman concurred with the Co-Chairmen’s remarks.  “As Secretary Clinton made clear during her visit in October,” he noted, “the United States is unfaltering in its commitment to the Western Balkans.  We were there during the most difficult periods of time, and we remain committed today to helping each of these seven countries realize their own aspirations for stability, prosperity, and membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions.” Also present at the hearing were Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Helsinki Commission, and Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) and Representative Russ Carnahan (D-MO), all of whom have been actively involved in policy responses to Balkan developments over the years. Presenting the State Departments assessment of region, Tom Countryman noted “several encouraging signs,” including “a structure of political development that will enable movement along a self-sustaining path toward membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions” and a “heartening trend in the development of a political center that is no longer dominated by the nationalistic issues of the 1990s.”  He noted that challenges still exist, most notably related to dedication to the rule-of-law. In his country-by-country assessment, Countryman expressed most immediate concern about the possibility of election-related violence this weekend in Kosovo, where Serbian officials have made statements that seemed to threaten violence against polling stations in the north of Kosovo and have not been sufficiently and clearly repudiated by the government in Belgrade.  “Sadly,” he concluded, “it appears that it is only Serbs who are using violence to prevent other Serbs from voting” despite efforts by the international community and the Kosovo Government to facilitate the free participation of all Kosovo Serbs in the elections.  Rep. Hastings indicated his strong support for action to thwart violence.

WASHINGTON—Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), announced today they will hold a hearing: “The Western Balkans: Developments in 2010 and Hopes for the Future” Wednesday, December 8, 2010 11:00 a.m. Room: SVC 202/203 (Capitol Visitor Center) The countries of the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia have all seen some progress in the last year but continue to face a wide range of challenges to their aspirations for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.  These challenges often result from the still incomplete transition to effective democratic governance and adherence to the rule-of-law at home, but they also manifest themselves in inter-state disputes as well as the lingering legacy of the extreme nationalism that brought conflict to the region almost 20 years ago.  Developments in 2010 regarding Bosnia and Kosovo, the countries of greatest international concern, have created opportunities for 2011, but the failure to meet expectations could produce additional instability.  Meanwhile, the other countries hope to build their momentum moving toward Europe and could face new problems of their own if integration seems an increasingly distant target.  This hearing will continue the Helsinki Commission’s ongoing monitoring of developments in the Western Balkans by focusing on the continued U.S. role in working with the European Union and other countries with interests in the region to encourage further progress in the year ahead.        The following witness is scheduled to testify: Thomas M. Countryman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State

WASHINGTON -  "OSCE Summit an Opportunity for Clinton, Kazakhstan on Human Rights" By Benjamin L. Cardin Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has the chance at this week’s summit of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe in Kazakhstan to promote fundamental freedoms still in danger 35 years after the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act. In a year that commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords – the Cold War agreement that forever tied human rights to a holistic view of global security – it is time we do more than merely recommit to our shared values. One need only see political opponents marginalized to the point of silence, journalists muzzled through physical attacks and murders, or the blatant discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities to know the challenges faced in the 56 countries of the OSCE. The test for this Summit is to prove that the OSCE -- long the standard bearer for open societies, open minds, and open economies -- is flexible enough to meet modern challenges where security threats are changing and democratic governance is declining. I know the OSCE is up to the task. From its field missions, election observations and monitoring of media freedom, I have long advocated extending the OSCE model to the Middle East and other regions, from Afghanistan to the Korean Peninsula, where increased direct dialogue and consensus-building diplomacy can be a bridge to more peaceful futures. This Summit, the first in 11 years, can revitalize the organization. In particular I hope the gathered world leaders will agree on a strong action plan to serve as a basis for continued cooperation. Considering more than 50 investigative journalists have been killed in the OSCE region since the early 1990’s, this Summit should call for prompt and thorough investigations into physical attacks against journalists, vigorous prosecution of all of those responsible for the murder of investigative journalists, and a repeal of criminal defamation laws. To strengthen the organization’s work on economic and environmental issues, the heads of state should agree on clear language to combat corruption and foster good governance, specifically through commitments to increased transparency and accountability in the extractive industries – action the United States committed to this year through bipartisan financial reform.  President Obama recently called for deepening our cooperation within OSCE and other multilateral organizations. The United States cannot do it alone. Meaningful progress depends on all governments living up to their international commitments. That is why it is fitting for Astana to host the OSCE Summit– the first time such an event has convened in Central Asia– because Kazakhstan, like its neighbors, faces significant challenges to democratic reform. Against this backdrop, I hope the Secretary will use her visit to press for greater progress on human rights in Kazakhstan and throughout the region. After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1990, the government made a courageous decision to destroy its Soviet-era nuclear weapons. Now in 2010 the leaders of Kazakhstan must shed another reminder of that era – the undemocratic bent that has stifled free expression and political dissent. Kazakhstan, aside from bringing a summit to its new capital city of Astana this week, has a lot of which to be proud. The first Central Asian chair-in-office of the OSCE has proven to be a credible steward of the world’s largest regional security organization. But Kazakhstan has not fully delivered on the commitments the country made in 2007. In exchange for securing the OSCE chairmanship, Kazakhstan promised to live up to international human rights standards that it freely adopted. Indeed in the very year when Kazakhstan should have served as a role model while chairing the human rights organization, it has fallen short. As the Summit opens, Kazakhstan is blocking web sites, a journalist remains jailed for doing his job, libel remains a criminal offense, political parties remain limited by a restrictive registration process, and President Nazarbayev’s one-party parliament has granted him lifelong immunity from prosecution. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s leading human rights activist, Yvgeny Zhovtis, remains in a Kazakhstani prison after a trial widely condemned for its lack of due process.  Besides delivering a strong agreement at this Summit, there is still time for Kazakhstan to finish its chairmanship on a high note and fulfill its earlier commitments. I hope Secretary Clinton will urge them in this direction.  To see Mr. Zhovtis able to attend this summit with other non-governmental organizations, journalists able to report without fear of reprisal and people to have access to information online would show that Kazakhstan does in fact believe in the very values of the organization it has chaired this year.

WASHINGTON—Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today welcomed the release in Azerbaijan of two journalists who had been jailed in 2009 on charges widely seen as political.  “I am pleased that bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli are finally out of prison.  I hope we will not see any more such cases in Azerbaijan, where press freedom continues to be lacking,” said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Commission Chairman. The U.S. Helsinki Commission leadership wrote to President Aliev about this case last year, calling for the bloggers to be released. The two men – sometimes called the “donkey bloggers” because they had made a film satirizing officialdom -- were arrested in July 2009, after an altercation in a restaurant in Baku.  Though they reported to the authorities that strangers had accosted and attacked them, a Baku court convicted them of hooliganism in November 2009, sentencing them to two and two and a half years in prison.  Their arrest and conviction were criticized internationally by many capitals and human rights groups as an attempt to stifle youth activism and free expression in Azerbaijan.  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton raised the issue publicly when she was in Baku in July.  “The release of these two bloggers is a positive sign from Azerbaijan’s authorities,” said Co-Chairman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL).  “I also urge the court to free Eynulla Fatullayev, in accordance with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.” Fatullayev, former editor of two popular newspapers in Azerbaijan, was sentenced in July to two and a half years in prison for drug possession.  Fatullayev has said the government planted drugs on him. His newspapers, the Azeri-language daily Gündalik Azarbaycan and the Russian-language weekly Realny Azerbaijan, folded. “As the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has urged, Baku should decriminalize libel, which would promote freedom of expression and could help improve the bilateral U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship,” said Chairman Cardin.

WASHINGTON—One year after anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky’s death, Russia can still reverse course to bring some measure of justice in this and another cases of serious human rights abuses in the country, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), said today. Sergei Magnitsky, who blew the whistle on a $230 million tax fraud involving senior Russian officials, died November 16, 2009, in a Russian pre-trial detention facility after being held in torturous conditions and repeatedly denied medical treatment. Those responsible for these crimes have yet to face any punishment and have even been promoted and recently decorated. The Helsinki Commission will host a world premier of the film “Justice for Sergei” Tuesday in concert with parliaments in the European Union, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Estonia. The U.S. screening is at 5:00 p.m. today at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center’s Orientation Theater North. “We’ve heard enough calls for investigations that never get fully carried out or are run by the very people supposedly under investigation,” said Chairman Cardin. “What we still need is a serious and impartial investigation of Magnitsky’s original complaint detailing a scheme to defraud the Russian treasury of $230 million.” Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) said: “I see this case as a concrete reminder of the human cost of the absence of the rule of law. Sadly there have been far too many reminders lately.” Sen. Cardin and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) have introduced The Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act (S. 3881 and H.R. 6365) to bar the officials connected to Magnitsky’s case from receiving traveling to or investing in the United States. “I’m very pleased that the Commission will be holding this important screening,” Rep. McGovern said.  “It is critical that we continue to highlight the Magnitsky issue.  As the House sponsor of the ‘Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act,’ I will work with Senator Cardin and my other colleagues to move this legislation forward.”

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) invite you to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of Russian anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky with the world premier of “Justice for Sergei,” a film about the anti-corruption lawyer’s life and death. (See trailer here.) U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Orientation Theater North  Tuesday, Nov. 16th at 5:00 pm  Sergei Magnitsky, who blew the whistle on a $230 million tax fraud involving senior Russian officials, died Nov. 16, 2009, in a Russian prison after being repeatedly denied medical treatment. Those responsible for the crime have yet to be punished. This film marks the first time since Sergei’s death that his family and friends have spoken publicly about the false arrest and torture of the man who died trying to expose the corruption gripping his country.  This global premier is taking place at the parliaments of the European Union, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Estonia reflecting the international outrage stemming from this case. Hosted by: Chairman Cardin, author of S. 3881, the Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act. Participants: Dr. Michael McFaul, Senior Director of Russia and Eurasian Affairs, National Security Council Boris Nemtsov, Russian opposition leader and former Deputy Prime Minister David Kramer, Executive Director, Freedom House and former U.S Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor   

WASHINGTON—Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today expressed their support for the stiff sentences handed down in the Czech Republic to four neo-Nazis who firebombed a Romani family’s home in 2009. The court found David Vaculík, Ivo Müller, Jaromír Lukeš, and Václav Cojocaru guilty of complicity in attempted murder and property damage in an attack that left an infant with second and third degree burns over 80 percent of her body and injured three others. The four men were all sentenced to at least 20 years in prison.  The sentences are reportedly the toughest ever handed down for a racially motivated crime in the Czech Republic. The rehabilitation ordeal of Natalka Sivakova, who will be maimed for life, has gripped the Czech nation. “We welcome the verdict in this case as a small measure of justice for a Romani family that was clearly targeted for no reason other than their ethnicity,” said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD).  “The transparency of these court proceedings helped to remind the world of the horrific nature of this crime and the fact that the perpetrators of such extreme acts of violence and hate cannot hide from the law.  Nothing can compensate for the baby's injuries and unfathomable suffering, but hopefully this sentence will not only deter future hate crimes, but send a signal to extremist elements in the Czech Republic that their day of reckoning is at hand.” The four men allegedly committed the crimes to celebrate Adolf Hitler’s 120th birthday. In court one defendant, Lukeš, wore the shirt of a White Power band.  In the past three years, the Czech Republic has witnessed an escalation of arson attacks on Roma, attempted pogroms masquerading as “law-and-order” marches, and other manifestations of extremism. “I am heartened to hear Czech political leaders supporting justice in this notorious hate crime,” said Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL).  “We call on the new Czech Government to address Romani human rights comprehensively, including by strengthening public understanding of Romani experiences during the Holocaust. I will also be greatly interested in the outcome of the ongoing trial of eight alleged perpetrators of the mob attack on Roma in Havirov.” In Havirov, a group of men attacked several Roma on November 8, 2008.  One teenager was savagely beaten into a coma and suffers permanent disability. The Co-Chairmen, who have been tireless advocates for equal rights for Romani people, expressed their hope that the Natalka case would help focus needed attention on issues affecting Roma in the country.

WASHINGTON—Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe today welcomed Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s appointment of former journalist Mikhail Fedotov to head the country’s human rights committee. “I hope Mr. Fedotov’s appointment to head the human rights committee marks the beginning of a new seriousness in Russia to protect investigative journalists and finally get to the bottom of the many unsolved murders of journalists and human rights defenders,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. “From his experience as a journalist, a lawyer in and out of the government, Mr. Fedotov is well-positioned to succeed on his stated goals of judicial and police reforms.” Fedotov has worked extensively in the information and media fields, including stints as a journalist and columnist.  He was most recently the chairman of Russia's Union of Journalists. “I hope that Mr. Fedotov will continue to be a strong advocate in defending the dignity and fundamental freedoms of his fellow countrymen in this new position,” said Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL). “The challenges to human rights throughout the world are countless, but we support the efforts symbolized in this appointment and hope it leads to real action to preserve fundamental freedoms in Russia.” Co-Chairman Hastings introduced a resolution on human rights defenders in Russia this Congress (H.Res. 1539 Link). According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, of the 52 journalists killed in Russia since 1992 more than a third were principally focused on corruption or human rights.  Chairman Cardin successfully passed in July a resolution at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Oslo aimed at protecting press freedoms and targeted journalists, and the Commission hosted a hearing in June “Threats to Free Media in the OSCE Region,” at which media developments in the Russian Federation featured prominently.

WASHINGTON--U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) today welcomed the peaceful conduct of the October 10 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan. The historic vote ushered in a new parliamentary system of government following the April 7 revolution there. "Sunday's elections can mark a new chapter in Kyrgyzstan's democratic development, and I look forward to strengthening ties between Kyrgyzstan's new parliament and the U.S. Congress," said Chairman Cardin. "Many challenges remain, and we will support the new government as it works to address issues, such as corruption and lack of transparency, which brought down the previous regime. As vice president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I am hopeful this new parliamentary system will succeed for the people of Kyrgyzstan and provide OSCE participating States another strong model of how countries can fully implement their commitments to democracy." Co-Chairman Hastings urged that the new government also develop a reconciliation process to address tensions remaining in the south following ethnic violence there in June. "I urge the new government to ensure that minorities, including ethnic Uzbeks, are represented and included in the new system," he said. In a generally positive assessment, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe found that the elections marked a "consolidation of the democratic process and brought the country closer to meeting its international commitments on democratic elections." Nevertheless, OSCE observers noted election day problems, inclduing the presence of unauthorized persons in some polling stations and irregular counting procedures. Some observers raised questions about the high number of voters added to lists on election day in the southern part of the country, as well as whether the invisible ink functioned properly to prevent multiple voting.

WASHINGTON--U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and Commission Ranking Republican Chris Smith (R-NJ) will represent the U.S Congressional delegation at the Fall Meetings of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Palermo, Italy, October 8-11. More than 200 parliamentarians from 50 OSCE countries are expected to participate in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ninth Fall Meetings. Hosted by the Sicilian Regional Assembly, the conference will include meetings of the Assembly’s Mediterranean Forum  and a panel discussion on “The Fight against Transnational Organized Crime and Corruption” moderated by Chairman Cardin. Senator Cardin is Vice President of the Parliamentary Assembly. Congressman Smith, who serves as the Assembly’s Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues, will speak on lessons learned from the first 10 years of the fight against human trafficking and opportunities for continued progress in the next decade. MEDIA ACCESS: Meetings are open press. Schedule and credential information is available through the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. INTERVIEW REQUESTS: To interview members of the U.S. delegation, contact Neil Simon at neil.simon@mail.house.gov or +1 (202) 340-7450.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), and U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, today introduced bills that would freeze assets of and block visas to individuals responsible for the 2009 death of Russian anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and a related $234 million tax fraud scheme. Magnitsky died after suffering torturous conditions in pre-trial detention, being repeatedly denied medical treatment. He had exposed the massive fraud and accused Russian officials of stealing the millions of tax dollars paid by his client, Hermitage Capital Management. “Nearly a year after Sergei’s death, the leading figures in this scheme remain in power in Russia. It has become clear that if we expect any measure of justice in this case, we must act in the United States,” said Chairman Cardin, who first called in April for a visa ban for the 60 Russian officials responsible for the tax fraud and Magnitsky’s death. “At the least we can and should block these corrupt individuals from traveling and investing their ill-gotten money in our country.” Chairman McGovern said: “I have introduced the ‘Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act of 2010’ in the House of Representatives as a direct consequence of the compelling testimony at a hearing on human rights in the Russian Federation in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The death of this courageous whistleblower in a Russian prison is the consequence of an abysmal prison system and corruption aimed at defrauding the Russian Treasury of billions. We know about Sergei Magnitsky, and we know about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, but how many more Magnitskys and Khodorkovskys are currently suffering in Russian prisons? My bill addresses the root causes of these severe human rights violations -- the Russian prison system and official corruption. We should not rest until justice is achieved in Sergei’s case, and the money is returned to its rightful owners -- the people of the Russian Federation.” Hermitage Capital Management CEO Bill Browder testified before both chairmen at separate hearings related to Russian corruption and its chilling impact on successful investors in 2009 and 2010. "Corrupt officials in the Russian law enforcement agencies are circling the wagons to protect their own from facing justice for the torture and murder of Sergei Magnitsky,” said William Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management. “Today, the only way to get justice for Sergei is outside of Russia. The strong moral stand that the US Senate and Congress are taking will give other countries the confidence to follow.” The Moscow Prison Oversight Commission found the conditions under which Magnitsky suffered to be “torturous.” Despite calls by Russian President Medvedev for “zero tolerance of corruption” and justice to be served for those responsible in this case, no such action has been seen, leading Moscow human rights organizations and other concerned about corruption to look abroad to keep attention on the case. "We believe that it is extremely important for the public climate in our country that the United States and other democratic countries punish those people whom our authorities do not want to punish for their crimes," said leading human rights defender Lyudmila Alekseeva, Chair of the Moscow Helsinki Group. The legislation calls on the U.S. Secretaries of State and Treasury to lift the sanctions only after Russia conducts a thorough and impartial investigation in Magnitsky’s case and brings those responsible to justice, brings its criminal justice system and penal system into compliance with international standards, strengthens whistleblower protection, and recognizes the contribution of Sergei Magnitsky in the fight against corruption and for the rule of law. A complete bill summary follows this release. Summary of the “Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act” Senator Benjamin L. Cardin || Rep. Jim McGovern Overview: This bill would bar all individuals connected to the 2009 death of Sergei Magnitsky from receiving U.S. visas and accessing U.S. financial markets. Magnitsky, a Russian anti-corruption lawyer, died after suffering torturous conditions in pre-trial detention, after repeatedly being denied medical treatment. He had exposed a $230 million tax fraud scheme and accused Russian officials of stealing the millions of tax dollars paid by his client, Hermitage Capital. Visa Ban: No U.S. visas are to be issued to:       Individuals who were engaged in any act that was instrumental in causing Sergei Magnitsky’s death Individuals who conspired to commit tax fraud against the Russian Federation through a scheme targeting Hermitage Spouses, sons, daughters or parents of the same individuals Financial Sanctions: The Secretary of Treasury shall freeze and prohibit all transactions of property or investments in United States financial institutions by individuals connected to Magnitsky’s death or the tax fraud scheme. Waivers: The Secretaries of State and Treasury can waive the visa ban and asset freeze for U.S. national interest The Secretaries shall notify Congress and explain any such a waiver. Termination: This act is lifted when the Secretaries of State and Treasury certify to Congress that the Russian Federation has: Conducted a thorough and impartial investigation in Magnitsky’s case and brought those responsible to justice; Taken steps to bring their criminal justice system and penal system into compliance with international standards; Strengthened statutory whistleblower protection; Recognized the contribution of Sergei Magnitsky in the fight against corruption and for the rule of law. Penalty: $50,000 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Reporting: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretaries of State and Treasury shall report to Congress on actions taken to carry out this Act. Start Date: The act takes effect starting 90 days after the act is signed into law.   

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) today introduced legislation calling for the Iraqi parliament to create a government that is just, representative, and accountable to the people of Iraq. Six months after elections in Iraq, the 325 members of the Iraqi parliament have failed to select a prime minister and president for their country as their constitution requires.  “Iraq currently remains without a Prime Minster or President, and negotiations between the elected political parties seem to have reached a stalemate,” Co-Chairman Hastings said. “This is not good for Iraq or for the region.  The vacuum created in the absence of a new government has encouraged violent attacks against government officials and Iraqi civilians by terrorist thugs who are intent on destabilizing the country.”  The resolution calls on the leaders of Iraq to form, as quickly as possible, a capable and representative government that is accountable to the people, to address the needs of its displaced citizens and to effectively, fairly and transparently develop its oil and gas resources to meet pressing development needs.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) today announced they will convene a briefing featuring the lead courtroom attorney from the Moscow trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. In cooperation with Freedom House, this U.S. Helsinki Commission event will explore what the second trial of Russia’s most prominent oligarch says about the rule of law in Russia. September 29th at 2 p.m. 1539 Longworth House Office Building Nearly seven years have passed since Khodorkovsky, one of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen, was arrested during his speaking tour promoting civic participation to young Russians.  Just as he was eligible for parole, Russian prosecutors leveled a second series of money-laundering charges against Khodorkovsky’s Yukos Oil Company, charges that The Economist described as “Kafkaesque.”  If convicted again, he stands to serve an additional 22-year sentence.   According to a recent public opinion survey, one in three Russians believe that Khodorkovsky’s most recent trial is based more on political motivations than commercial ones.  Panelists: Vadim Klyuvgant, lead defense attorney for Mikhail Khodorkovsky Anton Drel, long-time personal counsel to Mikhail Khodorkovsky, will also be in attendance.

WASHINGTON— Governments across the world need to reinvest energy to support their diverse communities and make their elected leadership and public servants more reflective of their populations, leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and Congressional Black Caucus said today following minority political participation events in the Capitol. “Governments in Europe, the United States and elsewhere should start putting effort into uniting their diverse citizenries and stop wasting time dividing them,” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission said after a briefing featuring minority leaders from the United States, France and elsewhere. “We need to strengthen our work across borders to stem the growing tide of intolerance affecting us all in this time of economic uncertainty and realize we have much more to gain by involving our minority communities in the political process than alienating them.” Co-Chairman Hastings, the first African-American to represent Florida in the U.S. Congress since the post-Civil War period, has co-convened two meetings in Europe reviewing barriers to racial and ethnic minority political participation there.  Today’s event coincided with the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference Capitol Hill Day. “The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to strengthening partnerships with our minority counterparts in Europe and abroad. Racism, discrimination, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations are pervasive around the globe,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “We must continue to identify obstacles to effective minority political participation, and more importantly, implement strategies to tear down and overcome these impediments.” Hastings added: “The members of the European Diversity Caucus and other delegations here today demonstrate that there is a plethora of minority talent in France that will only go to waste if a greater focus is not placed on these communities. Countries should increase public and private sector diversity and anti-discrimination efforts to be sure that talent is utilized.”

WASHINGTON—Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today hailed this weekend’s votes for constitutional reform in Turkey as a step forward, but cautioned that only effective implementation will lead to lasting democratic change there. “The people of Turkey have made clear their desire for change. I hope the proposed constitutional reforms will lead to real improvements in people’s lives, including Turkey’s beleaguered ethnic and religious minorities,” said Chairman Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD). “Implementation of the voter-approved constitutional amendments and other much needed reforms could help Turkey overcome the legacy of the past and build a strong future firmly rooted in respect for democratic principles and human rights.”  Voters Sunday approved a set of 26 changes to the constitution that was written after a 1980 military coup. The reforms aim to make the military more accountable to civilian courts, improve gender equality, and end the immunity from prosecution coup leaders. “These reforms could lead to greater transparency and accountability, which are essential to strengthening democracy,” said Co-Chairman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL). “I am particularly interested to see how the government enacts the judiciary reforms as a manipulation of judicial structures would only exacerbate Turkey’s already fractured political landscape. I urge Prime Minister Erdogan to work to build a consensus that will strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Turkey, an important ally which is contributing to operations in Afghanistan.” The co-chairmen have long supported Turkey’s ascension to the European Union. They also welcomed the recent positive step Turkey made on religious freedom. For the first time since 1922, the government last month allowed the liturgical celebration by the Ecumenical Patriarch at the historic Sumela Monastery.  Chairman Cardin sponsored Senate Resolution 356 calling on the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay. The seminary was ordered closed in 1971.