Maikova as Scapegoat?

The WSJ Law Blog writes about the recent buzz regarding Dmitry Medvedev’s proposed clean up of the courts, pointing out that Judge Lyudmila Maikova might end up being made the scapegoat of unfair rulings in favor of the tax authorities:

Anton Ivanov, chairman of the Supreme Arbitration Court, told reporters after the session that he had formally requested the removal of Lyudmila Maikova, the top judge in the Arbitration Court of the Moscow District, one of Russia’s main appeals courts. He said Maikova, who has reportedly become known for issuing controversial rulings favorable to the tax authorities in high-profile business cases, had violated “ethical norms” by accepting cut-price apartments. Maikova, who hasn’t been charged with any crime, couldn’t be reached for comment. Her removal still must be approved by a commission of other judges.

Maikova has been involved in the Yukos case, telling Kommersant in December 2007 that “The creation of Fargoil which allowed Yukos to evade taxes is found in numerous deals with the participation of this organization. I am very surprised with the longevity of such an organization, especially when the tax body has several tools to liquidate a legal entity that repeatedly and grossly violates the legislation.” She is also well known as a vigorous opponent of media access to the courts and transparency in the legal process.