Russian Investigation Into Magnitsky’s Death Dropped

Russia’s Investigative Committee has dropped its investigation into the death of whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, according to a statement posted to the committee’s official website.

The statement Magnitsky was placed legally in pretrial detention and died there from heart complications in 2009.

The committee wrote there was no evidence of a crime.

Magnitsky was charged with tax evasion after accusing state officials of a $230 million tax-refund fraud.

His relatives and supporters say he was beaten and medically neglected while in jail.

Magnitsky’s posthumous tax-evasion trial is expected to resume on March 22.

The case has caused tensions with the United States, which will enact visa and financial sanctions against implicated Russian officials.

Magnitsky’s relatives said on March 19 that they would appeal the Investigative Committee’s decision.

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