Press Release
2009 Integrity in Journalism Award and Program for Russian Journalist Leonid Nikitinsky
January 12, 2009
New York, NY – The Paul Klebnikov Fund is proud to award its 2009 Integrity in Journalism Award to Leonid Nikitinsky. Nikitinsky is a highly admired independent journalist covering judicial issues in Russia. He is also a tireless advocate for justice sector reform and has recently spearheaded a Jurors Association advocating support for the still emerging trial by jury institution in Russia. Throughout his entire career, Nikitinsky has fought tirelessly for honesty and transparency in the Russian legal system. His commitment to these principles, during a time when many Russian journalists have been harassed and even murdered for their honest investigative reporting, exemplifies the very best of both the journalistic and legal professions.
Nikitinsky and several members of the Jurors Association will visit the U.S. in March to observe the legal and technical aspects of the American jury trial institution. Nikitinsky will participate in an additional program sponsored by the Paul Klebnikov Fund during which he will focus on the interaction between the media and the court system in the United States.
Background
Since the introduction of a new Code of Criminal Procedure in 2002, Russian law provides for trial by jury in certain cases including murder with aggravating circumstances, rape with aggravating circumstances, organized crime offenses, and certain corruption offenses. Implementation of trial by jury has not been consistent in Russia and has become increasingly controversial. There have even been calls to repeal the trial by jury system and in late 2008, the Duma passed legislation removing certain offenses including terrorism, espionage and hostage taking from the jurisdiction of jury trials. At the same time, though, trial by jury has increased popular participation in the judicial system and is a cornerstone of civil society.
In 2006, several Russian civic organizations, including the Guild of Court Reporters, formed a Russian "Jurors Association," with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Its goal is to support jury trials and promote honesty and participation in the legal system. The Association has also developed a web site, www.juryclub.ru, which disseminates information about jury trials. Future planned activities include a U.S. study tour in March 2009 (with the support of the Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, & Training Division (OPDAT) at the Department of Justice) and the development of media programs to provide public fora for discussions of the Russian legal system.
Throughout, legal journalist Leonid Nikitinsky has been the driving force behind this project. His coverage of a case in which jurors felt that they had saved an innocent man from a wrongful conviction was the initial inspiration for the project. This case subsequently became the subject of Nikitinsky's novel, Secrets of the Deliberation Room, and several jurors from the case have played leading roles in the Jurors Association.
Program Goals
Nikitinsky's goals during his program include: 1) Researching how autonomous legal reform organizations work in the U.S., how they are funded, and how they provide feedback to the judicial branch and to the media; 2) How the U.S. ensures free and public discourse & interaction with the court system; and 3) Applying U.S. lessons for funding of media access to the courts to Russia.
The Paul Klebnikov Fund
The Paul Klebnikov Fund upholds the growth of civil society in Russia by supporting journalistic integrity, the rule of law and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The Fund was created to uphold the legacy and work of Paul Klebnikov, who was the first editor of Forbes Russia, which he launched in April 2004.
As a journalist and author, Paul was committed to promoting the ideals of truth, free speech, and accountability in Russia. He believed that honest and responsible journalism was essential to a vibrant civil society. He was assassinated in Moscow, on July 9, 2004.
The Integrity in Journalism Fellowship provides an opportunity for Russian journalists and editors to come to the U.S. for one week visits for an exchange of ideas. Please contact Ilona Tservil, Paul Klebnikov Fund Program Manager, at administrator@paulklebnikovfund.org or (914) 309 – 2934 for more information.
