Russia blames medics for Hermitage lawyer death

Reuters

Russian investigators, probing an affair that has shaken the confidence of foreign investors, said on Monday that poor medical care was to blame for the death in jail of the lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

Magnitsky, a 37-year-old lawyer for Hermitage Capital, once Russia’s biggest equity fund, died of heart failure in November 2009 after around a year in prison, sparking worldwide outrage.

He had earlier testified against Russian interior ministry officials during a tax evasion case against Hermitage. The hedge fund had accused the officials of embezzling $230 million in tax refunds from the state budget.

“Experts have identified inadequacies in the care received by Magnitsky during his detention, which prevented timely diagnosis of his chronic illness,” the Russian government’s Investigative Committee said in a statement.

“In the near future we plan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the violations,” it added.

Magnitsky’s death provoked an outcry among human rights activists, who accused the prison service of denying him medical treatment because of his part in exposing endemic corruption.

It also sent a warning to potential investors in Russia, which trades at a discount to other emerging markets because of risks associated with corporate governance and misuse of funds.

Hermitage founder Bill Browder, who has been campaigning for criminal charges to be brought in connection with Magnitsky’s death, said blaming medical services could allow those who arrested the lawyer to walk free.

“The investigation into the death of Sergei Magnitsky has to start with the interior ministry officers who falsely arrested Sergei,” he told Reuters.

“It should then go on to include the judges, investigative officers, and people in prosecution offices who subjected Sergei to torturous conditions, denied medical attention, and ignored his written pleas for help,” he said.

The investigation is due to run until Aug. 24.

Magnitsky’s case also drew the attention of foreign governments.

The Dutch parliament has voted to ask its government to impose visa restrictions on Russian officials connected with Magnitsky’s death, and there have been calls to impose similar sanctions in the United States. hairy girl займ срочно без отказов и проверок https://zp-pdl.com/best-payday-loans.php https://zp-pdl.com/fast-and-easy-payday-loans-online.php buy over the counter medicines