Helsinki Commission to Hold a Briefing on Russian Corruption

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) announced today they will hold a briefing:

"Beyond Corporate Raiding: A Discussion of Advanced Fraud Schemes in the Russian Market"

November 9, 2010

2:00 p.m.

1539 Longworth House Office Building

The death of Sergei Magnitsky and the fraud against Hermitage shocked the world, but was this conspiracy an isolated incident? How many others are in danger of suffering similar fates? Do these practices continue? Is there hope for change? Constant reports of corruption on the rise in Russia stand out in sharp relief against the strident anti-corruption rhetoric of President Dmitriy Medvedev who has called for an end to "legal nihilism" and the practice of authorities "nightmaring" businesses.

Join the U.S. Helsinki Commission for what promises to be a fascinating and provocative discussion with Russia's leading anti-corruption crusader, shareholder activist, and top blogger Alexei Navalny, who Time magazine dubbed "Russia's Erin Brockovich." Navalny will address these and other questions about making an honest buck in the wild east.

Panelist:

Alexei Navalny, Founder, Minority Shareholders Association

With testimony for the record from:

Yana Yakovleva, Business Solidarity

Olga Romanova, Editor, Forbes Russia