Commissioner Hans van den Broek, responsible for the relations with the Russian Federation, welcomes the decision of the Russian authorities to release from custody Mr. Aleksandr NIKITIN, a Russian environmental activist. At several high level occasions during recent months, Mr. van den Broek had requested the immediate release of Mr. Nikitin, also taking into account his deteriorating health situation. Similar requests were made by the European Parliament, several national governments and human rights organisations. Mr. Nikitin is co-author of a report published on 19 April 1996 by the BELLONA FOUNDATION. That report provides an analysis of the alleged relationship of the radioactive contamination registered on the Kola peninsula and around the town of Severodvinsk, and the presence of the Northern fleet of the Russian navy in those areas. Mr. Nikitin's contribution to this report initiated his arrest by the Russian authorities on 6 February 1996. The Commissioner expressed confidence that the further judicial proceedings regarding the contribution given by Mr. Nikitin to this Bellona-report, will be in full conformity with the internationally agreed principles and standards of justice and human rights. * * *
