Defence of Novocherkassk journalist Elena Nadtoka demands to cancel verdict due to ECtHR's decision

After more than 12 years, a reconsideration of the verdict against journalist Elena Nadtoka, sentenced for criticizing the Mayor of Novocherkassk, is connected with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), which recognized that the Russian authorities had violated the Elena Nadtoka's right to freedom of expression. This was reported by advocate Tumas Misakyan. The defence intends to seek her rehabilitation, noted lawyer Galina Arapova.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in 2004, Elena Nadtoka was sentenced to a fine of 50,000 roubles for an article published in the newspaper "Vecherny Novocherkassk", then led by her. In the article, City Mayor Anatoly Volkov was called a "thievish Altai man, who took a comfortable high position."

On May 31, the criminal case against Elena Nadtoka, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Chastnaya Lavochka", will be reconsidered by the Presidium of the Supreme Court (SC) of Russia in connection with newly discovered circumstances the ECtHR's ruling issued a year ago, Tumas Misakyan reports.

"It is expected that the national courts should restore her violated right," explained the advocate.

Galina Arapova, the leading lawyer of the Media Rights Protection Centre, has suggested that the Russian SC will cancel the verdict and close the case against the journalist due to the fact that the criminal responsibility for the insult was abolished.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.