- Mikhail Khodorkovsky
- Platon Lebedev
We declare that the most flagrant violations of fundamental constitutional rights and lawful interests have been allowed in relation to M.B. Khodorkovsky and P.L. Lebedev, which rule out the possibility of a fair examination and resolution of the case.
Click to read the defense’s full stay motion.
- Current Legal Status: On Trial
- Incarcerated: Matrosskaya Tishina Detention Facility
- Latest Statement: "Legalized Abuse" in Nezavisimaya Gazeta
Khodorkovsky is known to the world for his commitment to transparency and corporate governance in business as well as his contributions to the development of civil society in Russia. He is Russia's most famous political prisoner.
"I believe in Russia's future, and this also includes Russia's judicial system. I try to help the judicial system to become qualified, independent and impartial... We have an opportunity to set things right so that no one will ever feel ashamed of our country."
- Current Legal Status: On Trial
- Incarcerated: Matrosskaya Tishina Detention Facility
- Latest Statement: Lebedev Court Statement on the Essence of the Charges: April 21, 2009
Platon Lebedev, was Director of Group MENATEP Limited, the holding company for YUKOS. Trained as an industrial economist, Lebedev pioneered modern business practices.
Top Stories
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How the “Conveyor Belt” of Russian Justice Works
In a recent article in Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Khodorkovsky argued that it would be a mistake to believe that his case and the destruction of YUKOS, is a “one-off” phenomenon. The entire Russian justice system has adapted to politicized justice.
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Khodorkovsky’s Mistake?
Khodorkovsky’s belief in a modern and fair Russia have led some to call him naïve, thereby suggesting that one should go to jail and face whatever consequence if they happen to believe in Russia and its ability to independently administer justice.
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Khodorkovsky: Conveyor Belt of Russian Justice Legalizes Abuse
One year on from the start of the pre-trial proceedings of his second show-trial, Mikhail Khodorkovsky writes in Nezavisimaya Gazeta about the "conveyer belt" that is the Russian judicial system.
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Putin's Populist Sitcom
Putin's latest vilification of Russia's oligarchs is yet another demonstration of absurd political theatrics in the aftermath of the Yukos Affair.
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YUKOS Claim Against Russia to Be Heard by European Court of Human Rights
On March 4, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) will finally hear the case of YUKOS v Russian Federation, which has been repeatedly postponed by the Russian side.
- Headlines
- From the Courtroom
- Case News & Developments
- Commentary & Opinion
- In Their Words
- Legal Team Statements
- Global Issues
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Alexander Litvinenko's Father Finds Little Sanctuary in Italy
In an interview with the UK's Guardian, Walter Litvinenko, the father of poisoned former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, says that his family is being persecu... Read More »
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Moscow Mayor’s Wife Named Most Influential Businesswoman in Russia
Inteko CEO Yelena Baturina was picked by Finans Magazine for the second year in a row.
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Medvedev’s Modernization Agenda Failing to Garner Popular Support
Russian government relations and PR specialist Vladimir Frolov believes Medvedev is doing better than predicted but still falling short of expectations.
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Carnegie Moscow Center Expert: Milestone Elections in Russia
Carnegie Moscow Center scholar Nikolai Petrov comments that the regional elections in Russia on March 14 could be a “milestone in terms of shaping the future ... Read More »
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Those Guilty of Dismantling YUKOS Could Include Top Russian Officials
Commenting on the European Court of Human Rights’ hearing on YUKOS v Russia, financial expert Andrei Sotnik believes a guilty verdict in the case for Russia c... Read More »
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The EU Needs to Act at Home to Counter Gazprom's Power
Iana Dreyer, Trade Policy Analyst at the European Center for International Political Economy (ECIPE), comments that there is a clear link between most Central a... Read More »
From the Communications Center
Events
The Alternative France-Russia Year 2010 launched its new website providing information on the year-long schedule of events. The campaign, supported by leading French and Russian rights groups, aims to make sure that no one forgets that it is simply unacceptable to hide the rights abuses in Russia today - symbolized most dramatically by Khodorkovsky and Lebedev's current show trial.
What Others are Saying
We welcome your comments on the monthly Khodorkovsky and Lebedev Communications Center Newsletter.
See previous newsletters here
"Symbolizing all that is wrong with the Russian system is the current trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his former partner, Platon Lebedev, who ran the Yukos Oil Company. The absurd charges against them—for example, embezzling 350 million tons of oil--are an attack on the fundamental right of individuals to own property under law. As this is the second trial for both men, it is a palpable judicial farce."
Stephen Blank, Professor, Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army
Malcolm Bruce, UK Liberal Democrat MP