May 16, 2006
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE KLEBNIKOV FAMILY
Moscow - The Klebnikov family commends Prosecutor Shokhin for his decision to appeal on procedural grounds the acquittal by the jury of the two individuals charged in the assassination of Paul Klebnikov.
We strongly support the concept and practice of a jury trial system in Russia. As any new system, like democracy itself, it will take time to develop properly, and there will be disappointments along the way.
Our family made tremendous personal sacrifices in an effort to show support for this process. Paul believed in transparency and justice in Russia and dedicated his life to building a stronger civil society in the country he so loved.
We cannot let the result of this trial diminish our hopes for change in Russia and for justice in the case of Paul Klebnikov.
Dedicated professionals deserve the public's full support for their courage and hard work in this case. We particularly wish to commend our attorneys, Larisa Maslennikova and Alexei Gorbachev.
We have learned of disturbing new details about the trial. Our attorneys have informed us that they believe that there were multiple procedural violations. Prosecutor Shokhin appears to have solid grounds for appeal. This is not a time for cynicism but rather a time for support of the distinguished professionals working on this case. Due to the fact that we have been informed of serious legal errors during the trial, we have filed through our representatives an appeal in the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
The Klebnikov family will be following the proceedings closely until all the perpetrators of this tragedy are apprehended and convicted in court, both who committed the murder and those who ordered it.
Contact: Tom Thomson or Paul Nathanson
The PBN Company
Tel: 202-466-6210
