More Congressional Attention for Dead Russian Whistleblower

Capitolnews Connection

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin notes today’s grim anniversary of the death of Russian attorney and whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. That death in a Moscow detention center has become an international incident and the subject of proposed Capitol Hill legislation. It’s also the topic of a new documentary that airs tonight.

Transcript:
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Today a grim anniversary – and a reminder of things that Congress does when it’s not bickering before, during and after an election.

AMB Narrator: “One year ago today, on the 16th of November 2009, a Russian lawyer died in a Moscow detention center. His name was Sergei Magnitsky.

This documentary premieres tonight at the United States Capitol – to coincide with screenings in the parliaments of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Estonia. A reflection of how significant the story of the 37-year old lawyer has become.

AMB [shouting] Narrator: “Sergei Magnitsky is arrested after he uncovers the largest tax fraud in Russian history – committed by officials of the Russian government.”

CARDIN He brought it to the attention of public officials. As a result he was harassed, arrested and died in prison… literally his life was lost because he came forward as a whistleblower.

Senator Ben Cardin is Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. One of several congressional entities that operate on a bipartisan and bicameral basis; in this case, to promote global cooperation on human rights and other issues. In the case of Magnitsky, Russia pledged to make a full investigation of the nearly quarter-billion dollar tax fraud.

CARDIN The only thing we have seen is that those who were responsible for this — for the corruption and his death, have been promoted. And there has been no one held accountable.

Cardin has introduced a bill, co-sponsored by Republican Senator John McCain, that would deny U-S travel privileges to scores of Russian officials. That action has raised hackles within the Kremlin… and reignited some old Cold War tensions.

This Russian drama is far from over. One more thing that the newest members of Congress will find themselves grappling with in 2011.

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