The Case of Sergei Magnitsky Questions Cloud Story Behind U.S. Sanctions

The story of Sergei Magnitsky has come to symbolize the brutal persecution of whistleblowers in Russia. Ten years after his death, inconsistencies in Magnitsky's story suggest he may not have been the hero many people -- and Western governments -- believed him to be.
Bill Browder at his office in London.

Bill Browder at his office in London.

Foto: Chris Gloag/ WirtschaftsWoche
Sergei Magnitsky's grave at a cemetery in Moscow.

Sergei Magnitsky's grave at a cemetery in Moscow.

Foto: Mischa Japaridze/ AP/ Picture Alliance/ DPA
Global Consequences
Foto: DER SPIEGEL
Former U.S. President Barack Obama signing the Magnitsky Act into law.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama signing the Magnitsky Act into law.

Foto: Charles Dharapak/ AP/ Picture Alliance/ DPA