Russian Federation - Submission to the Human Rights Committee

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) provided its views to the Human Rights Committee, in advance of the consideration of the Periodic Report of the Russian Federation. This submission focuses on violations of human rights in the context of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism laws and practices, and on the erosion of the independence of judges and lawyers. In particular, the ICJ wishes to highlight the lack of independent and effective investigations, and impunity, for gross violations of human rights in counter-terrorism operations in Chechnya and the North Caucasus; increasing harassment and persecution of lawyers; harassment and restrictions on the rights of human rights defenders; provisions of counter-terrorism legislation that risk violations of Covenant rights; and extradition and other transfers of suspects to countries within the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, in violation of the obligation of non-refoulement to face a danger of torture or other serious violation of human rights.

Russian Federation - Personal Statement by Mary Robinson, President of the ICJ, on the killing of Natalya Estemirova

I was deeply saddened and appalled to learn of the cruel abduction and murder of Natalya Estemirova. She was one of the most courageous and inspiring human rights defenders I have met.

Russian Federation - ICJ calls for action to protect human rights defenders following killing of Natalya Estemirova

Following the abduction and murder of Chechen human rights defender Natalya Estemirova, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today condemned this heinous crime and expressed its deep concern at threats to the safety of human rights defenders in Russia, in particular those investigating human rights violations in Chechnya. The ICJ stressed the need for the criminal investigation into the killing to be independent, impartial and exhaustive and to involve and inform the family of Ms Estemirova.

Russian Federation - ICJ calls for thorough, independent investigation into killing of judge

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today deplored the killing in Ingushetia of Judge Aza Gazgireeva, Deputy Chief Justice of the regional Supreme Court, who was shot dead on Wednesday outside her children's kindergarten in Nazran. The attack on this senior member of the judiciary comes just over one year after Judge Gazgireeva's predecessor, Judge Hasan Yandiev, was shot dead: the investigation into that killing has still not concluded. Both judges had been involved in anti-corruption cases, as well as cases involving armed groups.

Russian Federation - ICJ calls for investigation and accountability following murder of Stanislav Markelov

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today expressed its grave concern at the murder in Moscow yesterday of prominent human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and called for a thorough, prompt and independent criminal investigation to hold to account those responsible.

Russian Federation - Submission to Human Rights Committee

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) wishes to provide its views to the Human Rights Committee, in advance of the preparation of the list of issues for the Periodic Report of the Russian Federation. This submission focuses on violations of human rights in the context of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism laws and practices, and on erosion of the independence of judges and lawyers. In particular, the ICJ wishes to highlight the lack of independent and effective investigations, and impunity, for gross violations of human rights in counter-terrorism operations in Chechnya and the North Caucuses; increasing harassment of lawyers; harassment and restrictions on the rights of human rights defenders; and extradition and other transfers of suspects to countries within the Shanghi Co-operation Organisation, in violation of the duty of non-refoulement to face a danger of torture or other serious violation of human rights.

Russian Federation - : Submission to the Universal Periodic Review

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes this opportunity to present its submission to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Russian Federation. The Working Group on the UPR and the Council should address as a matter of priority the serious violations of human rights, including extra-judicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary, including secret, detention, and torture and other ill-treatment taking place in the context of Russian counter-terrorism operations, in particular in Chechnya, and the widespread impunity for these acts.

Russian Federation - Attacks on Justice 2005 - Russian Federation

The absence of the rule of law and the inefficiency of the judicial system continue to be features of the Russian Federation, highlighting previous authorities' lack of will to improve the situation. The judiciary has required extensive reform: action taken since 1991 has resulted today in dramatic achievements, such as a massive increase in budgetary support for the courts, a new code of criminal procedure and measures to enhance the accountability of judges. However, legal structures and mechanisms are still poor. Many judges do not function in an independent manner and corruption and bribery remain rampant. Lawyers continue to be harassed in the exercise of their duties, being identified by the authorities with their clients' cause. Additionally, parliamentary elections in December 2003 and presidential elections in March 2004 have moved the country dangerously close to a one-party system. In Chechnya, the justice system is plagued by corruption, long and arduous procedures and threats against complainants.

Russian Federation - Russian Federation: End harassment of leading human rights lawyer

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today called on the Russian Prosecutor General's Office to drop disbarment proceedings against leading Russian human rights lawyer and ICJ Commissioner Karinna Mosaklenko.

Russian Federation - Leading Jurists begin terrorism inquiry in Moscow

The Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism and Human Rights begins a public hearing in Moscow today. Three members of the Panel, Professor Mary Robinson, Ms Hina Jilani and Professor Stefan Trechsel, are in Moscow to examine how Russian law, policy and practice have developed in response to the threat of terrorism.

Russian Federation - ICJ Commissioner Karinna Moskalenko honoured with annual human rights award of the International Helsinki Federation (IHF)

Karinna Moskalenko, a leading human rights advocate from the Russian Federation and ICJ Commissioner, was awarded the annual recognition award of the International Helsinki Federation. The award was formally presented to Karinna Moskalenko during the General Assembly of the International Helsinki Federation in Sofia on November 16, 2006.

Russian Federation - Tax order threatens leading human rights organization

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today expressed serious concern about a tax order made against the International Protection Centre (the Centre), which may lead to its closure and comes after a pattern of harassment against this leading Russian human rights organization and its founder.

Russian Federation - ICJ concerned over conviction of lawyer

The ICJ expressed concern today over the conviction of Mikhail Ivanovich Trepashkin, a Russian lawyer, to 2 years' imprisonment for the illegal possession of a gun amidst allegations that the gun had been planted in his car.

Russian Federation - ICJ Condemns Harassment of Yukos' Lawyers

In a letter addressed to President Putin, the Centre for the Independence of Judges and Layers of the ICJ (ICJ/CIJL) condemned the confiscation of documents of two of Yukos' lawyers and the potential disbarment of one them. The ICJ/CIJL urged the Russian Government to ensure that disbarment proceedings are terminated and to allow lawyers to discharge their professional duties.

Russian Federation - Lawyer Tried by Military Court

The ICJ/CIJL condemns the trial of a Russian laywer before a Military Court in Moscow.