Pasko -- Voice Of Conscience Must Not Be Silenced

Russian Federation: Grigory Pasko -- The Voice Of Conscience Must Not Be Silenced

19 June 2001

As yet another date was set for resumption of the trial against Grigory Pasko, Amnesty International renewed its call for all charges against him to be dropped and for the journalist, environmental activist and human rights defender to be fully acquitted.

"By reporting on the Russian navy's illegal dumping of nuclear waste off the coast of Vladivostok and informing the public about the dangers of such acts to human life and health, Grigory Pasko was exercising his right to freedom of expression and acting in full compliance with Russian law," Amnesty International said.

"On these grounds, he should not be prosecuted at all and, should he be sentenced, Amnesty International will adopt him as a prisoner of conscience," the organization added.

The closed trial is scheduled for 20 June at the Military Court of the Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok.

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