Facing worldwide criticism over whistleblower's death, Russia prepares to try him posthumously
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russia is preparing to put lawyer Sergei Magnitsky on trial, even though he is dead, in the latest twist in a case that has severely strained U.S.-Russian relations.
Magnitsky, a lawyer for the Hermitage Capital fund, died in jail in 2009 after accusing Russian officials of colluding in stealing $230 million from the state. He was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion by the same Interior Ministry officials he accused.
His death became an international cause-celebre and the United States passed a law in his name calling for sanctions on Russians accused of involvement in the fraud.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russia took deep offense and retaliated with measures including banning the adoption of Russian children by Americans.
A Moscow court on Monday set preliminary hearings in the posthumous trial for Feb. 18.