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Russia trials without juries unfair to accused: Khodorkovsky

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Russian trials decided by juries are currently restricted, creating hopeless situations for those accused of crimes who choose not to plead guilty, according to former oil executive Mikhail Khodorkovsky on Friday. In a statement released on his defense website, Khodorkovsky, who is currently on trial for embezzlement, expressed his hope that this, his second trial, will turn out completely different from his first, writing: Today one who does not plead guilty, unless his case is tried by a jury court, is guaranteed to make his situation significantly worse because: - He will get a guilty verdict - His jail term will be extended, AND- There will be no hope for early release.I believe that people ready for such a sacrifice for the sake of the truth, deserve public attention.This statement comes just months after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed into law amendments allowing trials for treason and terrorism to be adjudicated without juries. Khodorkovsky is expected to play a stronger role in his own defense in his upcoming trial. Khodorkovsky's trial, as well as that of his former business partner, Platon Lebedev, is due to begin March 31.Pre-trial arguments began earlier this month. Critics have claimed that the charges against Khodorkovsky and Lebedev are politically motivated due to Khodorkovsky's opposition of former Russian president Vladimir Putin. The transfer of the two from prison to Moscow to stand trial on the new charges was ordered last month by a judge for the District Court in Moscow. Khodorkovsky still maintains that his 2005 conviction on the fraud and tax evasion was unjust, and maintains his innocence. He requested early release from that sentence last July, but his application was rejected in August because he disobeyed guards at the Krasnokamensk penal colony, refused to participate in a training program, and faced the possibility of additional charges. Khodorkovsky has appealed that decision.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on March 27, 2009 (boomark / email).