Khodorkovsky & Lebedev Communications Center

Reacting to the verdict of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek said:

"The case of Mikhail Khodorkovsky has become an emblematic symbol of the systemic problems of the rule of law, legal nihilism and human rights in today's Russia."

"Although we have not yet heard the full verdict and do not yet know what will be the length of the sentence, we now know that Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been found guilty of embezzlement and money laundering of proceeds from his former company, Yukos Oil."

"I cannot but reiterate my solidarity with Mr Khodorkovsky and his family. I met with his mother Marina Khodorkovskaya on December 15, the day before his verdict was initially scheduled."

"I call strongly for the separation of powers between the judiciary, executive and legislature to be fully respected in Russia. Only then, will the modernization agenda which President Medvedev promotes so strongly have a chance of becoming reality."