Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

68 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the case of a person (details supplied) on a human rights basis with the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/02]

The person to whom the Deputy refers was convicted of treason on charges of espionage and sentenced to four years in prison by the Russian Pacific Fleet Military Court on 25 December 2001. Following his conviction, the then EU Presidency in February last expressed the serious concern of the EU on the case in a démarche made to Mr. Yevgeny Gusarov, the then Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The response of the Minister was that the case related to a judicial rather than to a governmental decision. The Minister stressed that freedom of speech and the media was one of the most important gains for democracy in Russia. The subsequent appeal made to the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court against the conviction was rejected on 25 June. Although the court did alter some parts of the sentence, these do not have any effect on its execution.

The person's lawyers have asked the chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, Mr. Lebedev, to pass the case to the Presidium of the Supreme Court for consideration. This supervisory appeal, looking into the legality and foundations of the decision taken by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court on 25 June, was filed by the lawyers on 21 October. Mr. Lebedev has asked the chairman of the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court, Mr. Petukhov, to consider the complaint.

The person is eligible for parole on 25 December. Any decision on parole would be a matter for the prison parole board, followed by a court decision. I understand that any such decision would probably not be taken until the end of January 2003. The person has already refused a presidential pardon as this would imply a recognition of guilt.

Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland will continue to follow closely developments in this case. We will continue to urge the Russian authorities to take measures to allow the plurality of the media in Russia to be preserved and strengthened.

Top
Share