Magnitsky Act to deteriorate US-Russia Presidential Commission's work

The adoption of the Magnitsky Act by the US Congress may lead to suspension of the US-Russia Presidential Commission, the Kommersant newspaper cites a source close to the body.

Magnitsky, a Moscow lawyer who was investigating accusations of foul play by Russian authorities in their case against the Hermitage Capital investment firm, allegedly uncovered evidence of a $230 million fraud scheme by Russian tax inspectors.

He died in November 2009 under mysterious circumstances after spending nearly a year in a Moscow prison. Critics have blasted the lack of prosecution connected to his death, despite evidence suggesting Magnitsky was physically abused while imprisoned.

The Magnitsky Act has drawn fierce criticism from Russian officials, who promised on Friday to respond harshly.

The Levada polling center found that 39 percent of Russians fully or mostly agree with the Magnitsky Act, which passed the US Senate on Thursday and introduces asset freezes and travel sanctions for Russian officials believed to be involved in the 2009 death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. Only 3 percent of respondents called their feelings about the legislation highly negative, while 11 percent more felt mostly negative, RIA Novosti reports.