RESOLUTION ON THE CASE OF ALEXANDER NIKITIN

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolutions of 16 November 1995 on the harassment of the Bellona Foundation by Russian security authorities and 15 February 1996 on the arrest of Alexander Nikitin,

A. whereas following the arrest of Alexander Nikitin on 6 February 1996 he remains in custody at the FSB prison in St Petersburg, where his health is deteriorating,

B. whereas Mr Nikitin was arrested and imprisoned for taking part in the production of a report by the Norwegian ecological organization Bellona on the pollution caused by the Russian nuclear fleet's installations and submarines, in particular in the Kola peninsula,

C. whereas Amnesty International, the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Helsinki Committee have declared Alexander Nikitin a prisoner of conscience,

D. deploring the fact that, despite protests all over the world, the Russian Government has shown no willingness to release Alexander Nikitin and has even openly refused to make any information available,

E. whereas there is widespread concern that the trial of Alexander Nikitin might be held in a military court, which would prevent public access to the trial and information, thereby denying the chance of a fair trial,

1. Calls on the Russian authorities to provide a full and detailed explanation of the charges made against Alexander Nikitin and to provide a clear timetable for a fair and open trial in a civilian court system, and calls for his immediate release pending his trial;

2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Government of Russia and the Bellona Foundation.