Magnitsky blew the whistle on an alleged  $230 million tax scam which he claimed was perpetrated by Russian officials four years ago. He claimed they were using his client's investment fund as a vessel for transferring money. He died in custody after being arrested, tortured and denied medical treatment. In the latest episode, he has been posthumously found guilty of tax evasion. 

Human rights issues

Even before the latest decision, Human Rights Watch described 2012 - with developments on Pussy Riots and Magnitsky rising up the public agenda - as 'the worst year for human rights in Russia in recent memory'.  Brussels has  considered taking action - including excluding Russian officials who are accused of human rights offences from an agreement covering travel for civil servants - but it has not moved yet. Even so, this response could be seen as a very mild response and is not expected to satisfy the European Parliament which has called for a more robust reaction. 

Calls for European action

Mikhail Fedotov, the chairman of the Presidential Council on Civic Society and Human Rights, an advisory body to the Kremlin told The Los Angeles Times: 'It is not the most appropriate of judicial decisions taken in Russia in recent times, putting it mildly. Besides, the dead can't be tried by any human court; it is up to history to try them.' He added that the reputation of Russia abroad would be damaged. The Financial Times calls for a tougher response from the EU. 'Europe has failed to act…', it says in a leader. Referring to the proposed deal regarding the travel arrangements of civil servants, it continues: 'There should be no visa deal without an outright ban and asset freeze on those officials.'