Khodorkovsky & Lebedev Communications Center

Jens Siegert, head of the Heinrich-Boell-Foundation in Moscow, states in a commentary article that a verdict of "not guilty" in the Khodorkovsky-Lebedev trial may show a sign of political weakness on behalf of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, while a "guilty" verdict could end all hope for a thorough modernization of Russia.

Siegert states that the consensus in Russia is that Khodorkovsky's imprisonment is politically motivated. He goes on to add that there are three possible reasons as to why Khodorkovsky may be freed, but that only politicians on the same level as Putin are able to convince the Prime Minister that releasing Khodorkovsky would be a strong incentive for foreign investors and an important sign of a modernized Russia.

• Read Siegert's full commentary