FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jason Casell
212.998.6849; jason.casell@nyu.edu
April 1, 2009 (NEW YORK) -- On Thursday, April 2, 2009, leading independent Russian journalist Leonid Nikitinsky will discuss the future of the Russian justice system and the future of jury trials in particular in a program at NYU School of Law called, “The Future of the Russian Justice System: A Talk with Leonid Nikitinsky.” Nikitinsky, a lawyer by training, has been covering Russian legal developments for Russian newspapers, including Novaya Gazeta and Izvestia, since the mid-1980s. He has reported on jury trials and advocated for transparency in the legal system and has worked with the Jurors Association in Russia to disseminate information on jury trials.
Since the introduction of the new Russian Code of Criminal Procedure in 2002, there have been jury trials for especially serious crimes. But jury trials have become increasingly controversial and in late 2008, the Duma passed legislation to remove certain offenses, including terrorism, espionage and hostage taking, from the jurisdiction of jury trials.
Nikitinsky is in the United States to receive the Paul Klebnikov 2009 Integrity in Journalism Award. The Paul Klebnikov Fund upholds the growth of civil society in Russia by supporting journalistic integrity, the rule of law, and the preservation of Russia’s cultural heritage. The Fund commemorates the legacy and work of Paul Klebnikov, the first editor of Forbes Russia, which he launched in April 2004. Klebnikov, who believed that honest and responsible journalism are essential to a vibrant civil society, made his reputation as an investigative journalist looking into the business dealings of high-level Russian politicians and aspiring oligarchs. On July 9, 2004, he was gunned down on the streets of Moscow. The case remains open.
The talk will take place at NYU School of Law, Furman Hall, Lester Pollack Colloquium Room, 9th Floor, 245 Sullivan Street (between West 3rd Street and Washington Square South). If you wish to attend or make a press reservation, please call 212.998.6678 or e-mail nick.robertson@nyu.edu.
WHAT: “The Future of the Russian Justice System: A Talk with Leonid Nikitinsky”
WHO: Leonid Nikitinsky, leading independent Russian journalist
WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
WHERE: NYU School of Law, Furman Hall, Lester Pollack Colloquium Room, 9th Floor, 245 Sullivan Street (between West 3rd Street and Washington Square South); Subways: A, B, C, D, E, F, V (West 4th Street))
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