Global Perspective

Prior to their arrests, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev worked to improve the Russian business environment, drawing in both foreign and Russian investors, and modeling their own corporate behavior to promote sustainable growth, profit-sharing among owners and employees, and social responsibility. During their trial and as prisoners, they have worked to draw attention to weaknesses and abuses in the judicial system because they believe Russia's economic, political, and social development depends on the foundation of rule of law.

Khodorkovsky and Lebedev have still not given up hope. From their courtroom cage, they participated in a trial lasting over a year, which was clearly biased against them. Working within the law they sought a just verdict and their release.

Many believe the release of these two men would demonstrate to the rest of the world Russia's commitment to human rights, rule of law, and democratic and free market values. As Khodorkovsky said at the Moscow City Court on September 22, 2005: "I have done my duty before the country: I have remained here and lost everything. Please do yours."

Human Rights Violations 

Protection under rule of law and preservation of political freedoms are basic human rights. The Khodorkovsky and Lebedev case is replete with violations of basic human rights. Numerous violations of Khodorkovsky and Lebedev's legal and civil rights were committed during the trial proceedings.

Energy & Economics

The attack on YUKOS and arrest of Khodorkovsky in 2003 inflicted billions of dollars of damage to the Russian economy as investors and businesses interpreted the campaign to be an attack on property rights. Khodorkovsky's vision for the development of the Russian energy sector was at odds with political forces in 2003. Indeed, his arrest began a government-led process of re-drawing ownership schemes in the Russian oil industry.

US & EU Russia Relations

Events in Russia have always been important to the United States and the European Union, and it is clear that the relationship between these nations is strained at least in part because of the expropriation of YUKOS, and the arrest of Khodorkovsky and Lebedev.