Anatoly Kovler proposes stronger legal protection for jurors

Higher Qualification Board of Judges member Anatoly Kovler proposed discussing professional judges' status for jurors during trials. He linked the suggestion to juror safety.

The former European Court of Human Rights judge spoke at Russia's Supreme Court scientific advisory council on October 13. He said people in small towns and some regions were afraid to participate in trials.

Kovler also proposed an experiment involving jurors brought in from other regions. He suggested that this could reduce bribery risks and informal pressure arising from involvement in a particular case.

The discussion took place alongside proposed changes to jury trials. Kovler argued that safety was not adequately addressed in the draft under consideration and ranked it above material support.

These are proposals by a participant in an advisory meeting. Interfax's report announces neither adoption of a new juror status, the start of the experiment nor a change in existing law.