PUBLIC COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF

ALEXANDER NIKITIN

INFORMATION FOR THE GENERAL CONSULATE IN ST. PETERSBURG

AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOREIGN PRESS

On April 29 the lawyers for Alexander Nikitin received an answer to his complaint from the General Prosecutor. From this it became clear that the FSB will continue its investigation of Nikitin and produce a new, seventh charge against him. The response given by the General Prosecutor indicated the impermissibility of bringing charges based on secret decrees because it is against article 15 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

In the background of these events, since May 1, 1998, the FSB has sharply intensified the so-called, operational-investigative activities in connection with Alexander Nikitin. The activities toward members of Alexander Nikitin's family and his lawyers are in violation of the law of the Russian Federation, "On Operational-Investigative Activities."

The actions of the FSB officials, beginning on May 1, stand out as insolence and aggression.

Near the entrance of the building where Nikitin lives, there have remained no less than three cars keeping watch. In each of the cars were three to four FSB officers. They accompany Nikitin and his family everywhere.

Apparently in order to limit Nikitin's freedom of movement and for psychological pressure, the tires of his car were barbarously slashed three times in two days.

While Nikitin was trying to photograph a car that was keeping watch, an FSB officer provoked a scene by demanding that Nikitin turn over the film from the camera or else he would ruin it. The affair did not make it to the fighting stage only thanks to the random passing of a neighbor with his dog, who came to the defense of Nikitin.

On May 2, 1998, Nikitin was informed about the occurrence of his own lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, who attempted to clarify what happened. As an answer to his inquiry, physical force was used against him. Three FSB officials pushed his face to the wall, searched his documents, including his lawyer certification, which were then confiscated and thrown to the ground. They suggested to him to "stay out of it."

On May 3, 1998, the demonstrative actions of the FSB agents were intensified. Their cars were on a pursuit, and were often considered in direct proximity. The FSB agents donned black hats and black sunglasses, and added to the pursuit an obscene gesture toward Nikitin and his wife.

In addition to the above-mentioned events, there are constant visits to the apartment when nobody is home, the telephones are tapped and their mail is secretly read.

The FSB investigator in charge of the case, Aleksandr Kolb, declared that it is not clear to him who is organizing and leading such an action. He claims to have no knowledge of it at all.

We consider such actions to be organized psychological pressure against Nikitin and his family with the aim to disturb Nikitin. The actions of the FSB are intended to provoke an inadequate response from Nikitin, which will be followed by any actions of the FSB, the Office of the Prosecutor, or the Interior Ministry.

We are appealing to you with this information in order to attract the attention of worldwide public opinion to the illegal consideration of the case against Alexander Nikitin.

With the greatest respect,

Vice-President

Yuri Vdovin

May 6, 1998

Translated by Katie Downey and Lindsey P. Taxman

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