Russia鈥檚 environmental scientists can sleep a little easier. Since 1996, they have been watching the case of Alexander Nikitin, a former Soviet naval officer who was charged with spying after helping Western environmentalists uncover the extent of radioactive pollution in the Russian Arctic. Some scientists feared they would face similar charges if they published data on Russian environmental pollution. Nikitin was imprisoned for 10 months after his arrest, and later confined to St Petersburg. But on 29 December, a court in the city ruled that the charges against him violated Russia鈥檚 constitution. The St Petersburg prosecutor has appealed against the decision, but Nikitin鈥檚 supporters are confident it will stand.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles