Swoboda: Dropping investigation into Sergei Magnitsky’s death is „a provocation“ by Russia

The Russian authorities yesterday announced they have closed their investigation into the death of Sergei Magnitsky, who died in prison in 2009. The anti-corruption lawyer had been held in jail without trial for almost a year when he died under questionable circumstances. Meanwhile, the posthumous lawsuit against Magnitsky himself – over allegations of tax evasion – continues.

Hannes Swoboda, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group, condemned the Russian authorities‘ decision to halt the investigation:

„Russia’s behaviour in the Magnitsky case is shameful. The decision to abandon investigations to uncover where the responsibility for his death lies is just the most recent step in a case that became a farce a long time ago. It is further proof of Russia’s unwillingness to address and uncover the real depth of corruption in the country.

„Twisting the truth in the manner we have seen in the Magnitsky case is a provocation by the Russian government. This provocation will not be met with silence by the S&D Group or the European Union.“