12:38, 31 May 2017

Russian SC cancels verdict to journalist Elena Nadtoka

Elena Nadtoka. Photo http://hragents.org/person/nadtoka/

The Presidium of the Supreme Court (SC) of Russia has cancelled the verdict against journalist Elena Nadtoka, sentenced for harsh criticism of the Mayor of Novocherkassk, and all subsequent decisions on the case. The criminal case against the journalist has been sent for reconsideration, reports advocate Tumas Misakyan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after more than 12 years, a reconsideration of the verdict against journalist Elena Nadtoka 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.

In 2004, Elena Nadtoka was sentenced to a fine of 50,000 roubles for an article published in the newspaper "Vecherny Novocherkassk". In the article, City Mayor Anatoly Volkov was called a "thievish Altai man, who took a comfortable high position."

According to Tumas Misakyan, "it can be assumed with a high degree of probability that the case will be closed."

He has explained that the resumption of the case in connection with newly discovered circumstances is a standard situation, and the new circumstance is the decision pronounced by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Earlier, lawyer Galina Arapova has stated that the defence of Elena Nadtoka intends to seek her rehabilitation.

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