TODAY: UN Rights Chief criticizes Russian failings; support for Khodorkovsky whistleblower; wife of jailed activist threatened.  Russian anger at militant’s US talk invite; top official proposes mandatory DNA database for migrants; China denies collaboration with Russia in Kurils; Pope meets the President

‘Murders, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders and investigative journalists and independent media, and apparent serious miscarriages of justice’. Having met with Russian officials, including President Medvedev, the UN’s top human rights official, Navi Pillay, spoke of a litany of setbacks in terms of human rights, though she did also praise ‘some incremental moves toward reform’ and some recognition ‘at the top’.  The European Parliament has adopted a resolution On the Rule of Law in Russia, which conveys concern about the current situation in the Russian judicial system, concerns apparently similar to those voiced by President Medvedev.  RFE/RL reports that Russia’s Association of Human Rights Organizations has pledged it will assist Khodorkovsky whistleblower Natalya Vasilyeva to face the consequences of her admissions.  Apparent corroboration of the court aide’s claims about the verdict can be found on the Other Russia.  Read here an interview with Cyril Tuschi, the director of the recently premiered twice-stolen documentary about the Yukos founder.  The wife of jailed Russian activist Sergei Udaltsov has apparently been threatened at her home.