AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

View Alerts By > Case | Date | Country | Victim

AAAS Human Rights Action Network

View the digitally signed version of this alert.

FACTS OF THE CASE:

On 27 September 2002, the pretrial jail term of Russian physicist Dr. Valentin Danilov expired, and the regional Krasnoyarsk prison chose not to extend it. The Russian Security Service arrested Valentin Danilov, who is the head of the Thermo-Physics Centre at Krasnoyarsk State Technical University, in February 2001, on charges of treason and fraud for allegedly selling top secret satellite information to a Chinese company. His research dealt with the effect of solar activity on space satellites. Dr. Danilov has consistently maintained that this information has been available in scientific journals and had been declassified for over 10 years. The regional prosecutor is appealing the decision to free Dr. Danilov. However, the release was well publicized in Russia and many human rights observers believe this indicates that Dr. Danilov’s 19 month legal nightmare may finally be ending.

The Danilov case is another of a series of “spy trials” that have been taking place in Russia over the past few years. Similar cases have been brought against engineer Alexander Nikitin and researcher Igor Sutyagin for publishing material deemed to be sensitive to the Russian State. The case also highlights the issue of government action against scientists who attempt to commercialize their research. Scientists are at risk because the rules on what constitutes a state secret are very unclear. According to a recent editorial in the Moscow Times about Dr. Danilov’s trial, “A 1993 law lists the categories of state secrets, but various government ministries and agencies issue their own, secret lists with new categories, and researchers have no way of knowing for sure what they can reveal and what they cannot.”

Last spring, a regional court ruled that Dr. Danilov could be released on bail, but his family was unable to raise the necessary funds. The American Physical Society (APS) initiated a successful campaign to raise money for bail. In total, they raised over $4,000 from 40 U.S.-based scientists. The money raised by the physicists was publicized in Russia and was effective in demonstrating the strong international support for Dr. Danilov.

Dr. Danilov reports that he is doing well. While in pre-trial detention, he suffered a heart attack and was briefly hospitalized. Although he had received some medical attention, his lengthy time in jail took a serious toll on his health. Dr. Danilov credits his release to the strong international pressure and is especially thankful to all those who donated money for his bail.

(Sources of information for this case include: American Physical Society Committee for the International Freedom of Scientists, Moscow Times Editorial “Separating Spies from Scientists” published on November 10, 2001, Associated Press, and the Moscow Human Rights Organization.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

No action is necessary at this time. Many thanks to all those that sent letters of appeal.

Please send copies of your appeals, and any responses you may receive, or direct any questions you may have to Victoria Baxter, AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, 1200 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20005; tel. 202-326-6797; email vbaxter@aaas.org; or fax 202-289-4950.

The keys to effective appeals are to be courteous and respectful, accurate and precise, impartial in approach, and as specific as possible regarding the alleged violation and the international human rights standards and instruments that apply to the situation. Reference to your scientific organization and professional affiliation is always helpful.

To ensure that appeals are current and credible, please do not continue to write appeals on this case after 90 days from the date of the posting unless an update has been issued.

To verify the contents of this alert and/or the electronic signature, please download the signed file for this alert along with the Program's PGP Public Key.

Main | CSFR Letters | Science and Human Rights Program