About Khodorkovsky and Lebedev
Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, formerly two of Russia's leading entrepreneurs, have been unjustly imprisoned since 2003. Patriots, family men, and philanthropists, Khodorkovsky and Lebedev had every opportunity to leave Russia prior to their arrests, once it became clear they were being targeted by authorities seeking to neutralize their political activities and seize their assets. But they chose not to flee their homeland.
Khodorkovsky and Lebedev remain in jail today because their vision for their country differs from that of the people in power. Khodorkovsky and Lebedev support the development of a free, open society, a competitive and modern market economy, independent political and judicial institutions and increased international cooperation.
About Mikhail Khodorkovsky
The son of two chemical engineers, Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky was born in 1963. By his 30s he became one of Russia's leading businessmen. In subsequent years the former chief executive of the Yukos Oil Company would become Russia's most famous political prisoner.
About Platon Lebedev
Platon Leonidovich Lebedev, Khodorkovsky's key business associate and close friend, was Director of Group MENATEP, the Yukos holding company. Trained as an industrial economist, Lebedev pioneered modern business practices and technologies to make Yukos Russia's most successful company.