On 22 February 1995 Alexei Kostin, founder and publisher of the Latvian-based newspaper “Yeshcho” goes to trial. Kostin has been incarcerated since February 1994 when he was arrested for producing and distributing pornography. He was arrested despite the fact that “Yeshcho”, the publication deemed pornographic by the prosecutors, was never ordered to cease publication. Kostin’s […]
On 22 February 1995 Alexei Kostin, founder and publisher of the
Latvian-based newspaper “Yeshcho” goes to trial. Kostin has
been incarcerated since February 1994 when he was arrested for
producing and distributing pornography. He was arrested despite
the fact that “Yeshcho”, the publication deemed pornographic by
the prosecutors, was never ordered to cease publication.
Kostin’s imprisonment violates Russian law, which sets the
maximum term of imprisonment prior to trial at nine months. Two
hearings were held in Kostin’s case, one in late summer and
another in November of 1994. Both times, the judges denied the
motion by defense to release Kostin pending trial.
Recommended Action
Write to Russian authorities:
allow “Yeshcho”, as well as other media in Russia, to continue
their activities without political interference.
Appeals To
His Excellency Boris Yeltsin
President of the Russian Federation
Moscow, Russia
Fax: 70 95 206 5137
His Excellency Sergei Grozunov
Minister of Press and Information
Moscow, Russia
Fax: 011 7095 200 0759
