Russia just does not have a reputation where the rule of law is the primary factor in the way governments and the courts operate.

cf. also the following:

* http://www.cato.org/events/rule-law-russia * http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/20/russia-medvedev-id... * http://www.freedomhouse.org/article/state-human-rights-and-r... * http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870377570457616... (Google URL and use Referer: information to view)

I'm sure others could come up with more sources too.