The Constitutional Court started hearing a case Tuesday over the disputed 2008 amendments that prevent suspected terrorists from receiving a jury trial.
The case was launched after petitions were filed by the Sverdlovsk Regional Court and five individuals suspected of terrorism.
"The plaintiffs claim that the right to a jury trial is fixed by the Constitution, which guarantees equality of rights and freedoms," the Constitutional Court said in a statement. “They believe that the ban on jury trials for terrorism charges violates the Constitution.”
In December 2008, President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law barring several categories of suspects, including those charged with terrorism and espionage, from being tried by a jury after several such trials in the North Caucasus failed to result in convictions.
Lawyers and human rights groups believe that jury trials are the fairest form of justice in Russia.
The court adjourned Tuesday and will resume the hearing next month.
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