I'm giving a briefing on Tuesday, right inside the walls of the Washington Obkom (a tongue-in-cheek reference to a Soviet regional party committee)™. More precisely, at the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The main topic is corporate corruption, but of course, in light of recent events, I'll also be talking about Kashin. If anyone knows any American journalist friends, I'd be very grateful if you could send them this press release: **HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD A BRIEFING ON RUSSIAN CORRUPTION ** WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) announced today that they will hold a briefing: “Beyond Corporate Raiding: A Discussion of Advanced Fraud Schemes in the Russian Market" November 9, 2010 2:00 p.m. 1539 Longworth House Office Building The death of Sergei Magnitsky and the fraud against Hermitage shocked the world, but was this conspiracy an isolated incident? How many others are in danger of suffering similar fates? Do these practices continue? Is there hope for change? Constant reports of rising corruption in Russia stand out in sharp contrast to the strident anti-corruption rhetoric of President Dmitry Medvedev, who has called for an end to "legal nihilism" and the practice of authorities "terrorizing" businesses. Join the U.S. Helsinki Commission for what promises to be a fascinating and provocative discussion with Russia's leading anti-corruption campaigner, shareholder activist, and top blogger Alexei Navalny, whom Time magazine dubbed "Russia's Erin Brockovich." Navalny will address these and other questions about making an honest buck in the Wild East. Panelist: Alexei Navalny, Founder, Minor Shareholders Association With testimony for the record from: Yana Yakovleva, Business Solidarity Olga Romanova, Editor, Forbes Russia Media Contact: Neil Simon 202.225.1901 ////////