NIKITIN's freedom

[Bavlin]

Ive heard that a Mr. Nikitin has been released by the Russians.
As far as Ive heard he were one of the leaders in Chechenya rebels.
Can anyone tell me about this guy am I right?
And why did they give him freedom?
Russia did vote for stopping the death penalty but I got a hard time to see why they dont give him a death sentance any way.
Hope I can get a annswer to my questions.

[Jk]

to Bavlin:
Russian penalty law from 1996 include
death penalty but it's difficulty to apply
that penalty to any case.
My opinion is that Russia has some
problems with EU and with International Penalty Court in Haag for war crimes commited in Croatia,Bosnia and Herzegovina(they told that judges in that court has double criterions for some countries and that
they are not going to do extradition of
their generals.)But EU has some plans
which doesnt include different views,so
they put a preasure on Russian Government
about Cecenia.

[Wendist]

Hello Bawlin

Unless there are two Nikitin´s I belive you have got the wrong man.

There is a topic called Nikitin in Current Events, go there for more info.

The last word on Cmdr. Nikitin is that the russian Supreme Court has ruled not to re-open the case against him as requested by the state attorney and subsequently the verdict of not guilty stands.

Regards Thomas

[Bavlin]

Thank you Thomas for helping me finf my misstake.
I must say I now got a better view of this and can understand this case better. Nikiting WASNT a chechen leader.
I must have missunderstod my information source there. hehe.

[Dr_Woland]

I am DELIGHTED to hear about Nikitin's release.

Just to correct the error above - Nikitin was NOT a Chechen War leader!!!! (sheeesh!)

Cmmdr Nikitin was a highly-respected Submarine Commander, who spoke-out about the ecological dangers from Russia's ageing, rusting nuclear submarine fleet, and about other issues connected with submarines. For this honesty and concern, he was tried for espionage by Russia. He was freed once in 1999, then immediately arrested again. Putin - when he came to power - said he hoped they would "lock him up and throw away the key".

Finally, due to international pressure (a lot from Norway, which would suffer most if a nuclear sub in the arctic were to malfunction) he has been released.

It's a triumph for honesty and decency, and I am delighted to see him free.

Dr W.