Russia Opens Trial of Dead Man

Died while in detention, but apparently this didn't stop the case

The controversial trial of a Russian lawyer who died in prison—Sergei Magnitsky—has opened in Moscow but it was adjourned shortly after.

A state-appointed lawyer for Magnitsky questioned the trial's legality, saying the dead man's family did not recognise him as their lawyer.

Magnitsky's family has dismissed the trial as a mockery of justice.

Magnitsky died in detention after accusing officials of a major tax fraud. His case soured Russian-US ties.