Judge sets trial date in case against Russian whistleblower who died in prison
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The trial of whistleblowing Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky is to begin next month, even though he died in prison three years ago.
A Russian court on Monday ruled the trial is to begin March 4. Prosecutors accuse Magnitsky and his former client, investor William Browder, of evading $16.8 million in taxes.
The trial will be held under procedures allowing posthumous trials to clear the deceased. Magnitsky's relatives are boycotting proceedings.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Magnitsky was jailed in 2008 by officials he claimed colluded with organized crime to claim a $230 million tax rebate through illegally obtained subsidiaries of Browder's company. He died in 2009 after being repeatedly beaten and denied medical treatment.
Congress passed a law sanctioning officials Browder accuses of involvement in the fraud. Russia in response banned adoptions by Americans.