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REFORMING THE BEAR

2x23'

PROGRAMME 1: BRAVE NEW WORLD?

Angus Roxburgh ventures behind the gleaming façade of the Russian Federation’s much trumpeted and wide ranging judicial reform programme to investigate the depth of change actually taking place.  He tackles key figures in the government and the judiciary about access to justice, the reintroduction of jury trials (last held in Russia under the Tsars), and the independence of the judiciary.  He reviews the massive overhaul of court houses from Moscow to Vladivostok, the replacement of the notorious iron cages used for defendants in criminal trials, and the revolutionary effects of computerisation on judicial decision making.  The depth and breadth of reform seems impressive.  But why do the rumours about ‘telephone’ justice and corruption persist?  Why is there an increasing queue of cases against Russia waiting to be heard in Strasbourg?  Are the world’s concerns about the Russian government’s handling of the Yukos case justified?  Angus Roxburgh investigates in Part 2.

PROGRAMME 2: THE BUSINESS OF JUSTICE

Angus Roxburgh investigates the relationship between business and the law, a revealing barometer of the state of legal reform in Russia today.  He talks to Russian nationals and international investors about the challenges and dangers of doing business in Russia today.  A case of capital fight or capital flight?  He speaks to those involved in the high profile Yukos case about its implications for the rule of law in Russia, and the message it sends to international investors.  He hears from human rights organisations about the ever lengthening queue of cases against Russia waiting to be heard Strasbourg, and worrying reports of an increasingly muzzled media.  From academics, he learns about the resurgence of Soviet speak in communications emanating from the Kremlin.  He finds a society in transition battling with the cultural shift from totalitarian to democratic state.  Russia is at a crossroads.  Which way will it turn? 

Producer: Anne-Marie Cole
Presenter: Angus Roxburgh

Assistant Producer: Catriona Oliphant

Broadcast:

24th and 31st October

Broadcaster: