On February 6, 1996 the Russian FSB (reformed KGB) arrested Alexandr Nikitin in St. Petersburg. The former marine officer is accused of high treason by espionage. The prison sentence for this offense is 10 to 15 years and the maximum penalty is death.
The FBS claims that Nikitin delivered secret and top secret material concerning Russia's nuclear fueled fleet to Bellona Foundation for payment. In fact, Nikitin has been working with the Bellona (a Norwegian environmental group) on releasing publicly available documentation of radioactive contamination produced by the Russian nuclear fleet.
The Nikitin case could be a dangerous precedent for anti-nuclear activists in Russia and the entire CIS. It will also help to define the FSBs power in the reformed Russian state and could be the first step to recalling the uncontrolled repressive power of the Russian police state apparatus.
The European Parliament has condemned the action of the FBS in the Nikitin case. But this is far from enough. Press here to find out what you can do.