Russian Rights Lawyer Finds Poison in Car

Connected to the Trial of Kremlin Critic’s Murder Case

Reuters Africa reported yesterday that a Russian human rights lawyer, Karina Moskalenko, found mercury in her car which she believes was an attempt to intimidate her on the eve of a trial regarding the 2006 murder of journalist and frequent Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya.

Mercury, don’t leave home without it. Especially if your home happens to be in Russia. Picture courtesy of the U.S. EPA

“People do not put mercury in your car to improve your health,” Moskalenko said in the Reuters’ report.

Mercury is a toxic element that can cause damage to the brain, central nervous system, heart, kidneys and lungs.  In vapor form, prolonged exposure can lead to death.

Moskalenko was in France when she found the poisonous element in her car.  French authorities in Strasbourg are investigating and have recommended a physical exam for Moskalenko and members of her family.  Children were reportedly in the vehicle at the time the mercury was discovered.

One thing for certain is that Moskalenko is no friend of the Kremlin.  She has represented plaintiffs before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and won many cases in the process.  Her presence on the legal team representing the deceased journalist’s family is what she believes precipitated the mercury incident.

The trial concerning the murdered journalist Politkovskaya is scheduled to begin today in a military court in Moscow.  The lead lawyer representing the Politkovskaya family will ask for a postponement due to the absence of Moskalenko.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko charged Russia with a plot to kill him that left his face grossly scarred, and Alexander Litvinenko died in 2006 from radiation poisioning that was believed connected to his frequent criticism of the Kremlin.

Pray for Writer to the World^TM folks.  Has anybody asked President Bush what he saw when he “looked into [Putin's] soul?”  It might be a good time to ask.