- 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.
Read an analysis of the verdict.
- Current Legal Status: Serving 13-Year Combined Prison Term Running from 2003 to 2016
- Incarcerated: Penal Colony 7, Segezha
- Latest Statement: Fifth Instalment of Prison’s Peoples
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: Serving 13-Year Combined Prison Term Running from 2003 to 2016
- Incarcerated: Penal Colony 14, Velsk
- Latest Statement: Lebedev Interviewed by The Financial Times
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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Former Russian Finance Minister Kudrin: Khodorkovsky Should Be Released
Speaking on Russian national television, former Russian Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin said that political life in Russia has entered a new era and called for Mikhail Khodorkovsky to be released states Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
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Putin’s Brand is Still Crisis
Ever since the streets of Moscow filled up in waves of protests following the controversial December 4th Duma elections, the Kremlin has been rather quiet regarding its perception of the protests and its strategy for dealing with such public unrest in the new year.
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Russian Civil Society on the Rise
As the 2012 election approaches, it would be a mistake to ignore the impact that these emerging groups may have on the political process, as citizens begin to observe the failings of state institutions and step in to fulfill their roles to uphold the law and force accountability.
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Christmas in New Russia
Traditionally after New Years, Russia enters a ten-day holiday slumber, in which businesses are shuttered, the dense Moscow traffic jams ease up for once, and people pass the days in pleasant repose leading up to Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. This year, the circumstances are a bit different.
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Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev Send New Year’s Message
Writing to the readers of the Khodorkovsky and Lebedev Communications Center, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev have sent their best wishes for the festive season and the new year.
- Headlines
- From the Courtroom
- Case News & Developments
- Commentary & Opinion
- In Their Words
- Legal Team Statements
- Global Issues
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Shuvalov Joins Chorus Calling for Khodorkovsky Pardon
First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said Thursday that he thinks Mikhail Khodorkovsky should be pardoned.
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Europe's Rights Chief Offers Advice on Russia
Europe's outgoing human rights chief has some advice for the Latvian national who will succeed him: travel to Russia often to win the respect of local officials... More »
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Russia Accounts for 27% of Strasbourg Court Backlog
Russia accounts for 26.6 percent of cases pending at the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR), a larger share than any other country.
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Medvedev Maintains He Needs Request In Writing To Consider Khodorkovsky Pardon
Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev has said that Mikhail Khodorkovsky will be considered to be guilty as long as the court verdict against him stands.
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Prokhorov Put On Presidential Ballot
The Central Elections Commission on Wednesday officially registered billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov as a candidate for the March 4 presidential election.
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Khodorkovsky and Lebedev Stand On Innocence
Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev remain steadfast in denying their guilt and will not appeal to the president for pardon.
From the Communications Center
- Pre-order Cyril Tuschi's documentary "Khodorkovsky" on Amazon.com
- Add your name to the 50,000 signatures demanding freedom for Khodorkovsky and Lebedev
- Read the defense team statement on Judge Danilkin's guilty verdict
- Strasbourg Hosts Musica Liberat Concert Dedicated to Khodorkovsky and Lebedev
- Watch a video on Mikhail Khodorkovsky's 8-year long struggle for justice
Events
The Institute of Modern Russia, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing democracy, civil society and the rule of law, is showcasing a unique photographic exhibition - "Russian Visionaries. Into the Light." - at the 25CPW gallery at 25 Central Park West in Manhattan through Monday, December 12.
What Others Are Saying
"The second Khodorkovsky trial was simply a desecration of justice." - Alexei Navalny, Russian lawyer and activist
"I think humanity and mercy should be shown. Khodorkovsky has already served quite a long term...About 50,000 crimes have been uncovered. By considering all those cases we would be able to make a decision, by which everyone would get what they deserve with a reference to the term served by Khodorkovsky." - Gennady Zyuganov, Russian Communist Party Leader
"The first decision will be a humanist one – I will pardon Khodorkovsky. The Yukos case is one of the most outstanding cases in Russia in recent years." - Mikhail Prokhorov, Russian Presidential Candidate



