French, Russian NGOs Highlight Human Rights, Khodorkovsky in Op-Ed
Human rights organizations from France and Russia co-authored an opinion editorial in leading French paper Le Monde to launch the "alternative" Year of France and Russia to raise issues and highlight abuses in human rights and the rule of law in Russia.
The rights groups, including Amnesty International, ACAT-France, Maison d'Europe et d'Orient, Reporters Sans Frontieres, Sakharov Center, Memorial, Foundation for the Support of Glasnost and Citizen Assistance, note that civil society was not invited to participate in the government initiative to foster a closer relationship between the two countries.
They note: "Our goal is to illuminate the hidden side of Russia, not only to address crucial issues regarding its future and that of Europe, but also to take the opportunity to speak with other parties."
Additionally, the editorial states that Mikhail Khodorkovsky is "still imprisoned and threatened by a second sentence of twenty additional years" - in a case that is far from isolated in Russia where there are now dozens of political prisoners.