About Khodorkovsky and Lebedev
Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, two of Russia's leading businessmen, have been unjustly imprisoned. Patriots, family men, and philanthropists, these men could have left Russia prior to their arrests but chose not to abandon their employees and homeland.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon 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 free, open, and independent political and judicial institutions and increased cooperation with international global initiatives.
About Mikhail Khodorkovsky
The son of two chemical engineers, Mikhail Khodorkovsky was born in 1963. By the time he was 30 he was already one of Russia's leading businessmen. In ten years the former chief executive of YUKOS would become Russia's most famous political prisoner.
About Platon Lebedev
Platon Lebedev, Khodorkovsky's key associate, was Director of Group MENATEP, the holding company for YUKOS. Trained as an industrial economist, Lebedev pioneered modern business practices and technologies to make YUKOS Russia's most successful company.
Progressive Business Practices
Khodorkovsky and Lebedev were internationally recognized as successful business leaders for their commitment to transparency, modern accounting and corporate governance standards, and incorporation of advanced technologies into the Russian oil industry.
Philanthropic Work
Mikhail Khodorkovsky was a pioneer and leading advocate of corporate and individual philanthropy in Russia. Even after his arrest in 2003, he continues to be engaged in the development of civil society in Russia, and the strengthening of Russian judicial independence.
In Their Words
Read statements and interviews from Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev.
Background Facts
Learn more about the political persecution of Mikhail B. Khodorkovsy and Platon L. Lebedev.
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