More Russian policemen decry corruption and trumped-up convictions on YouTube

Associated Press

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 4:40 AM

MOSCOW - Two former Russian policemen and a former prosecutor are speaking out about abuse, corruption and trumped-up charges in YouTube postings.

Their claims follow two videos by a police major who complained about corruption in the force and was fired after the videos were viewed by some 700,000 people.

In separate clips posted Wednesday, former prosecutor Grigory Chekalin and former police Maj. Mikhail Yevseyev claimed two innocent men were sentenced to life in prison for a 2005 arson in the city of Ukhta.

Yevseyev also alleged Ukhta policemen filed charges against businessmen "commissioned" by their rivals.

In another YouTube plea posted Wednesday, traffic policemen Vadim Smirnov claimed he was forced to resign after joining a trade union.

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