European court victory could embarrass Russian

MOSCOW, Aug 1 (Reuters) Winning in the European Court of Human Rights is usually a cause for celebration, but for Russian journalist Alexander Kislov it could prove a bit embarrassing.

Six years ago, Kislov filed a suit saying his right to free expression was violated because he was fined for libelling Penza region governor Vasily Bochkarev in a newspaper.

But the wheels of justice in Strasbourg move slowly and by the time the court ruled in Kislov's favour yesterday, he had made up with the governor and is now working as his press secretary, Ren-TV station reported.

The station said Kislov was unavailable to comment as he was out of town on a fishing trip.

REUTERS RN RAI1825