Khodorkovsky & Lebedev Communications Center

"I consider the verdict to be totally unlawful and not founded on any real evidence. The verdict was eventually issued under pressure and this pressure came from the executive which, as before, is headed by Putin. I believe that the verdict was issued under pressure from people who have a stake in not letting Khodorkovsky out of prison." - Yury Schmidt, Lawyer, Khodorkovsky Defense Team

"I would like to wish all the participants, organisers and perpetrators of this criminal vendetta that they will be judged by a court that is as ‘attentive' and ‘honest' with regard to their arguments and the arguments of their defence team as the Khamovnichesky district court when it considered our arguments and those of our clients. That is my great desire. There can be no doubt such a trial will take place. It is only a question of time." - Vadim Klyuvgant, Lawyer, Khodorkovsky Defense Team

"Nightmarish news. Today is a fateful day. The conviction means trampled laws, rights and Constitution." - Boris Nemtsov, opposition politician

"[The verdict] is very important, not only for the future of Khodorkovsky and Lebedev, it's also important for the future of Russia. Of course it will influence economic development and public attitude." - Mikhail Kasyanov, Former Russian Prime Minister

"If Judge Danilkin issues a just verdict then Russia has a future. If not, I fear that we may be seeing the end of Russia history. An unjust decision will be a very serious blow against a judicial system that is already weak. As a result, our country will slide ever further backwards, towards its Soviet, neo-feudal past." - Hegumenos Pyotr (Meshcherinov), Moscow Danilov Monastery

"The Khodorkovsky case is a malignant tumour affecting the Russian political system.. The Khodorkovsky case set a pattern whereby the interference of politicians became a natural part of the trial process. And, as in trying to remove a cancerous growth, a decision by certain people to wash their hands of the Khodorkovsky Affair will not just be a political decision to release Khodorkovsky after agreeing definite conditions. Sooner or later, however, the first step must be taken." - Konstantin Sonin, Professor of the Russian Economic School

"I really find it difficult to imagine how someone could steal oil and then sell it illegally. The pipeline belongs to the State. Oil enters the pipeline and it is pumped along. Tankers carrying oil are examined by the customs. Everything that passes through the pipeline is tracked and monitored; likewise, the customs oversees and supervises the export of oil in tankers." - Alexei Kandaurov, KGB Major-General (Reserves)

"This verdict will satisfy even the business community as well as Western countries and potential investors in Russia. The influence of Putin's statements on public opinion is overwhelming. I do not pretend even for one hundredth of its role." - Igor Yurgens, chairman of the Institute of modern development and vice president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. 

"[Khodorkovsky's imprisonment is] one of the irritants that investors traditionally react to. We have our work cut out for us to improve the investment climate; [the
case is] one episode, but we have systemic issues that aren't resolved." - German Gref, Chief Executive Officer of OAO Sberbank

"Unfortunately, it's an expected decision. Though it is sad. I think that the judge will generally follow the requests of the prosecutor's office. I hope that he will decide less." - Svetlana Bakhmina, former lawyer of YUKOS

"I expected this judgement. But all the same I am upset. The judge would have had to have been a hero to have given an acquittal verdict." - Lyudmila Alexeyeva, Human Rights Activist

"This is a protracted shame of our justice and the whole country before the world." -Andrei Makarevich, musician

"The consequences will be hard for Russia as a country seeking to attract investment and will take a toll on its reputation internationally." - Maria Lipman, Carnegie Moscow Centre

"No one had the slightest of doubts that this would be a guilty verdict. There was no disappointment because there was no hope." - Lilia Shevstova of the Carnegie Moscow Center

"This is a big blow to Medvedev because now everyone really knows who is making all the decisions. The West will think just one thing after watching this: things that Putin says are transformed into action -- and things that Medvedev says are not." - Yury Korgunyuk, INDEM political research institute

"Investors who are already active in Russia did not expect anything other than this verdict. But the government has been trying to improve the image of the country with risk-adverse investors who have avoided Russia but which the government now wants to attract. These are the investors who are more likely to pay attention to this verdict and to them it is just another reason to remain wary." - Chris Weafer, Chief UralSib Strategist

"All the signs are that the guilty verdict is being ‘pushed through' in spite of everything and despite the possible disagreements within the tandem. Putin maintains his former tough position while Medvedev does not intervene. This has not removed the Yukos affair from today's agenda, however. An ideal solution for the regime would be to release Khodorkovsky after he has, in one way or another, been discredited." - Tatyana Stanovaya, Head of the analytical department at the Centre for Political Technologies

"People wanted an acquittal but expected a conviction. The verdict will have a bad influence in every respect. Apathy and divisions within society will strengthen. Our relations with the West will become more difficult." - Anna Sharogradskaya, director of the Regional Press Institute

"I didn't expect any other verdict. Still, they're scoundrels - both the judge and those who put pressure on him. Europe and the USA have long shown astonishing tolerance towards the violation of human rights [in Russia] and now ... what can one say?" - Yury Vdovin, Deputy chair of Civil Oversight

"The defence attorneys say that in the Khodorkovsky-Lebedev verdict Judge Danilkin has been repeating verbatim the indictment presented by the prosecution. If I was part of Putin's ‘chain of command' I would be very annoyed with the judge. If the public nature of the trial or the fear of shaming the country before the whole world did not concern him, then Judge Danilkin at least could have put in some more effort out of respect for his most eminent master [Putin]. He could have made an exception, sat down with a clean piece of paper and written his own verdict of guilty." - Alla Paneyakh, Director of the Institute for the Rule of Law, European University, St Petersburg

"Of course, it was not Putin who forced Khodorkovsky, like a rat, into the corner (much as he may have wanted to). Khodorkovsky is restrained and, without self-abasement but with a dignity that stirs our sympathy, he is bearing his cross. On the contrary, the Khodorkovsky case has turned Putin into a cornered rat. Putin can't let Khodorkovsky go because Putin and his lads are in debt to Khodorkovsky - they need to privatise him. They could only sustain those absurd charges against him by putting a gun, literally or figuratively, to the head of the judge. This is a struggle to the death. And every sound that Danilkin utters in court is a further defeat for Putin at the hands of Khodorkovsky and Lebedev." - Natalya Gevorkyan, Journalist

"If Khodorkovsky and Lebedev had been acquitted it would have shown Russian businessmen, and foreign investors and companies, that Russia respected the rights of individuals and of businessmen and that the risks involved in working here are being reduced. This could have changed the psychology of businessmen and investors; limited the appetites of corrupt officials, whether civil or military; and it could have stimulated capital investment, business activity and the flow of funds to the financial market. It would seem that Putin's own feelings, however, are more important than the wellbeing of Russia's citizens." - Mikhail Overchenko, Finance editor

"Our party considers the sentence to be the result of a political decision taken outside the courtroom. This is yet another demonstration that the rule of law does not exist in Russia. There can be no doubt that the directors of Yukos were not put on trial for the deeds formally examined in court. The verdict on Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev is politically motivated and therefore it is unjust and must be overturned. There must be an end to the domination of oligarchy." - Sergei Mitrokhin, Chairman of Yabloko party

"I entirely share the position that the Yabloko party took in its statement. The sentence passed on Khodorkovsky and Lebedev is the result of a political decision, taken outside the courtroom, and this verdict is therefore unjust and must be overturned." - Grigory Yavlinsky, Member of Yabloko political council

"The Khodorkovsky-Lebedev trial does not represent a triumph for justice. If the sentence for the theft of our national wealth, our natural resources, concerned all oligarchs and not just Khodorkovsky then we could talk about justice. What we see is the authorities settling certain purely political issues." - Sergei Obukhov, Central Committee secretary, Russian Communist Party

"I know our system of justice. I had no doubt that the verdict would be guilty. It's a rather harsh verdict, considering the portrait that the regime has tried to paint of itself. It sends a very oppressive signal to society. It's an alarming signal and people will begin to be afraid." - Eduard Limonov, Leader of the Other Russia opposition coalition

"Why are others not in prison? I am full of admiration for the path taken by Khodorkovsky and Lebedev - their steadfastness, their principled position: they were subjected to the worst but they did not give way. They were at the very top and they fell and have remained strong people and, as I read in Khodorkovsky's letters, they regret certain things. People have changed, they have repented for certain sins that we all committed in the 1990s. It is outrageous to keep such people in prison. They could contribute a great deal to Russia." - Yury Shevchuk, Musician

"I'm waiting for Medvedev's New Year Address. If tomorrow he doesn't say something about the Yukos verdict we shall have another president in 2012. That would be a pity." - Dmitry Muratov, Chief editor of Novaya gazeta

"I think that in April-May 2012 the new president, whoever it may be, will declare an amnesty and all those convicted in the Yukos affair will be released.
At any moment the president can pardon any criminal. Let Khodorkovsky send a request to the president. He could respond favourably and the issue will be resolved." - Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Liberal Democrat leader

"The sentence passed today was absurd and unlawful. I consider that the charges themselves had no legal substance. Today's sentence is linked to the attempt Khodorkovsky once made to break out of the circle of flawed contacts between big business and the regime. It was possible, thanks to these contacts, to earn a great deal of money and the regime also enriched itself." - Sergei Mitrokhin, Yabloko party leader

"This decision has no relation to the law or justice. It shows the extreme pettiness and vindictiveness of the regime and, of course, will have far-reaching negative consequences for Russia. There will be capital flight from the country, a reduction in investment, business will emigrate and you can forget about innovation and modernisation. This sentence has clarified the situation within the Medvedev-Putin tandem and shown that the country is ruled, as before, by the prime minister." - Boris Nemtsov, co-chairman of Solidarity and the Popular Freedom party

"It seems to me that any sentence in this second Yukos case would be too long. It is my personal opinion that they are not guilty and the way in which the sentence was announced, and its timing, just make me feel ashamed for our law-enforcement and judicial system." - Leonid Gozman, Co-chairman of the Right Cause party
"The Khodorkovsky verdict condemns the whole of Russia. We are disappearing from the map as a civilized country because there can be no civilized country without a fair system of justice." - Yevgeny Yasin, Research director of the Higher School of Economics, RF Minister for the Economy, 1994-1996

"This further prosecution of Yukos and its owners, in my view, is totally unjust. The defence will dispute the decision but that's unlikely to yield much. In my opinion, such a decision is not legal but politically motivated. I consider that the outcome was pre-determined." - Victor Gerashchenko, former head of the Yukos board of directors

"I have not lost hope. This was the verdict in the court of first instance but their will be an appeal and there, I hope, the sentence will be reduced. Furthermore, there is the likelihood that Khodorkovsky will be pardoned by the president." - Daniil Granin, Writer and rights activist

"On 30 December this boorish court passed sentence on the Putin decade. It seems there will be no Medvedev period in which to re-consider this decision. Perhaps we deserved it. We shall again need the Soviet experience of survival in order to isolate ourselves from this regime and these judges. The fact that THEY nevertheless fear US helps us to find optimism in this situation. We must organise our programme of action in the light of that circumstance." - Arkady Dubnov, Journalist

"Judge Danilkin and the true authors of the Khodorkovsky-Lebedev verdict have given Putin a wonderful New Year's present. I would also like to send the prime minister New Year's greetings and wish him all the very best - love, goodness, happiness and good health. All of which he has so kindly deprived Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev. I wish that Vladimir Putin will savour all the joys of this life but remember that he will one day come before a court. Only there the Judge will not be Danilkin." - Anton Orekh, Journalist

"Of course, few people comforted themselves with the hope of an acquittal or at least a mild sentence for Khodorkovsky and Lebedev. During the seven years since their arrest we have all changed, and not for the better. We have become more prepared for the worse. We have even less hope than before that the regime will be good and just towards us. Still, the insistence which Putin demonstrated in anticipating the end of the trial of the two oligarchs disconcerted many. Why was it necessary to do this in such a demonstrative way, attracting personal criticism?" - Professor Alexei Portansky, Higher School of Economics

"The European Union and indeed the wider European public have since the start of the trial been following proceedings against former owner of the oil company YUKOS, Mikhail Khodorkovskii, and his business associate, Platon Lebedev, who were senteced today to six additional years of imprisonment. Allegations have been made of irregularities in the proceedings, and these are a matter of serious concern and disappointment to us. 

Judicial independence and the right of each and every citizen to a fair trial, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Russia is a party, are of crucial importance to the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Russian Federation and rule of law is a cornerstone of the Partnership for Modernisation.

The European Union will continue to follow the Khodorkovskii and Lebedev case closely and will raise this issue with Russia. As emphasised at the EU-Russia Summit on 7 December in Brussels, the EU expects Russia to respect its international commitments in the field of human rights and the rule of law." - EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

"I am very disappointed. The trials of Mikhail Khodorkovsky were the litmus test of how the rule of law and human rights are treated in today's Russia. In effect it has become the emblematic symbol of all the systemic problems within the judiciary. I believe that President Medvedvev is genuine about the modernisation agenda of his country. In order for it to become reality opportunities like today's cannot be missed. There is still a very long path for Russia to take. I would like to express my deep solidarity with the entire family of Mr Khodorkovsky. I met with his mother Marina Khodorkovskaya on 15 December in Strasburg. She is a brave woman whose courage and faith I strongly admire. " - Jerzy Buzek, The President of the European Parliament commenting on the sentencing

"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. I cannot but reiterate my solidarity with Mr Khodorkovsky and his family. 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." - Jerzy Buzek, The President of the European Parliament commenting on the verdict

"[I have] taken note of today's verdict. [The European Union] will continue to follow developments very closely, including the forthcoming announcement of the sentence. As emphasized at the recent summit...the EU expects Russia to respect its international commitments in the field of human rights and the rule of law." -
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs

"The sadly inevitable outcome of the Khordokovsky show trial deals a further blow to the rule of law in Russia and makes a mockery of President Medvedev's 'modernisation agenda. It is simply not credible to talk of modernisation in a state with such a highly politicised judiciary, which openly flouts the rule of law." - Heidi Hautala, Chair of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights

"Our most pessimistic thoughts have now become reality: Khodorkovsky and Lebedev have been found guilty and will remain in prison for years to come. It is obvious that this has happened not without intervention from the highest political circles in Russia, we should remember the statements made by V. Putin in a TV programme just a little over a week before the verdict. This trial has once again demonstrated who has the upper hand in Russia - unfortunately, it is not the court. The court is only in the position of obedient servant." - Dr Laima Andrikienė, Member of the European Parliament and the European Parliament's Rapporteur of the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2009

"The guilty verdict and especially the very harsh sentence announced against Mr Khodorkovsky does not deliver justice but instead serves only political ends. I condemn this judgment as another infringement of the rule of law in a country where the judiciary is not free from political interference, contrary to the obligations and commitments stemming from Russia's membership in the Council of Europe." - Christos Pourgourides, Chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

"We remain concerned by the allegations of serious due process violations, and what appears to be an abusive use of the legal system for improper ends, particularly now that Khodorkovsky and Lebedev have been sentenced to the maximum penalty." - Mark Toner, State Department

"Today's conviction in the second trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev on charges of embezzlement and money laundering raises serious questions about selective prosecution -- and about the rule of law being overshadowed by political considerations. This and similar cases have a negative impact on Russia's reputation for fulfilling its international human rights obligations and improving its investment climate. We welcome President Medvedev's modernization plans, but their fulfillment requires the development of a climate where due process and judicial independence are respected. We will monitor the appeals process." - Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State

"The apparent selective application of the law to these individuals undermines Russia's reputation as a country committed to deepening the rule of law, The Russian government cannot nurture a modern economy without also developing an independent judiciary that serves as an instrument for furthering economic growth, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and advancing justice in a predictable and fair way." - Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary

"The disturbing verdict in the trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev reveals the Russian judiciary is not independent ... Russian authorities again have demonstrated that they can act above the law at will. The second trial, just as the first, has been unfair and politically motivated. This is not only a sad day for Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Platon Lebedev, and their families, but also for all those that seek a more open Russia based on the rule of law." - US Senator Roger Wicker (R-MISS), Senate Foreign Relations Committee

"Today's conviction shows Russia has missed an important opportunity to reverse course and demonstrate that the Russian leadership is serious about promoting free speech and human rights." He added: "Khodorkovsky remains a victim of a judicial system that has failed to put the rule of law before political whims." - US Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Helsinki Commission

"President Medvedev's call for respect for the rule of law in Russia needs to be followed by concrete deeds." He added: "Today's conviction means Khodorkovsky will continue to be a political prisoner of the Kremlin and his case further taints Russia's human rights record." - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission

"If ever there were a case of ‘legal nihilism' - of an affront to the very values of equal justice that we hold dear - the case of Khodorkovsky is it." - John McCain, US Senator and former Presidential candidate

"The Khodorkovsky affair long ago erased any notion in Russia of an independent judiciary; it made plain that the courts do the bidding of a corrupt hierarchy that will stop at little to enrich itself." - David Remnick, editor, The New Yorker

"There is the personal tragedy of a man tried and convicted for crimes he did not commit. There is the tragedy of the Russian political system which was once on the verge of genuine democracy but now is no more than a framework for enriching Kremlin officials." - Joe Nocera, New York Times journalist

"I am deeply concerned by the implications of this case concerning Mikhail Khodorkovsky for confidence in how the law is applied in Russia. The UK calls on Russia to respect the principles of justice and apply the rule of law in a non-discriminatory and proportional way. In the absence of this the UK and much of the international community will regard such a trial as a retrograde step." - UK Foreign Secretary William Hague

"This has been a politically motivated trial from the outset and the sentence is every bit as predictable as the verdict. It is deeply depressing that Russia is stepping backwards in terms of the freedom of the media and the independence of the judiciary. William Hague should condemn the whole trial as unambiguously as the US and Germany have done. It is very disappointing that the Judge delivered the verdict exactly as the prosecutors requested and that Khodorkovsky was given the maximum sentence allowed for these ludicrous, trumped up charges. Medvedev and Putin have failed the key test which would have demonstrated the independence of Russia's criminal justice system. By keeping Khodorkovsky in jail until 2017, they have further confirmed the political agenda behind this case in ensuring that he is behind bars beyond the 2012 presidential elections." - Chris Bryant, UK Shadow Minister for Justice and Chair of the All Party Russia Group, commenting on the sentencing

"Our concerns include the arbitrary application of the rule of law, due process and fair treatment of Khodorkovsky and others who have been arrested or prosecuted in the Yukos Affair, access to lawyers and medical care, conditions of detention and the alleged harassment of defence teams and witnesses." - David Miliband MP, former UK Foreign Secretary

"We have been watching the trial closely. We believe that Russia's people, and Russia's future, are best served by a judicial system properly independent of Government or other outside interference; a system which administers justice consistently, transparently and objectively. This is also important in sustaining an environment in which investors can remain confident that they can do business, and that property and other rights are soundly protected. We welcome President Medvedev's focus on the need to strengthen the Rule of Law in Russia, including his focus on tackling corruption and promoting the independence of the judiciary. We, together with our EU partners, will continue to make clear to the Russian Government our concerns that the law should be applied in a non-discriminatory and proportional way." - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office

"It is manifestly a politically inspired trial and Khodorkovsky is in effect a political prisoner... [the trial] also has serious implications for the way in which the business community throughout the world see Russia...companies contemplating investing in Russia will think hard and long about whether it's safe to do so...it's too much of a coincidence that just as he was ending the sentence imposed on him several years ago that suddenly the Russian authorities come up with new charges and that are now being used as an excuse to keep him in jail ...and one saw the politicisation of it only a week ago when Mr Putin in an interview, actually before the verdict was even announced, referred to Mr Khodorkovsky's guilt and the fact that he ought to remain in prison. That is pure blatant political interference of a kind that is quite disgraceful."- Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former UK Foreign Secretary (speaking on the BBC)

"[Mr. Putin's comments ahead of the verdict were] blatant political interference of a kind that is quite disgraceful. It is manifestly a politically inspired trial and Khodorkovsky is in effect a political prisoner . . . companies contemplating investing in Russia will think hard and long about whether it is safe to do so." - Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former UK Foreign Secretary

"Having visited the trial and seen for myself the farcical way in which it was being conducted, with ludicrous trumped up charges and a petulant martinet of a prosecutor, it is entirely predictable that he has been found guilty. But this is not fair, open and transparent justice. It is the pursuit of a political agenda via a pretend judicial process. Russia will never enter the community of nations until it puts its criminal justice system on a proper independent basis. Medvedev and Putin have just failed a key test for their anti-corruption campaign." - Chris Bryant, UK Shadow Minister for Justice and Chair of the All Party Russia Group commenting on the verdict

"I am dismayed by reports that Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been found guilty of further charges of embezzlement. By all accounts, the rule of law in the conduct of this trial has been abandoned. This has serious implications for the confidence of overseas investors." -  Richard Ottaway, Conservative British MP

"This sentence is an act of political revenge, not of justice. It is also one that will do real damage to Russia's long-term interests. Russia desperately needs to attract foreign investment and technology to modernise and diversify its economy. But that will only be possible if Russia becomes the kind of open society in which investors are protected and the rule of law applies. The continued persecution of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev is the act of a regime that is weak and scared. The ruling elite around Vladimir Putin knows that the system it created is beginning to falter and fears losing control. That is why there has been a sharp deterioration in human rights over the last eighteen months. But increased repression is simply exacerbating the serious problems that Russia faces. Only a Russia in which the judicial system is free of political interference can thrive economically and become a trusted partner for Britain and the rest of the EU" - David Clark, Chair of the Russia Foundation (UK think tank)

"Today's verdict is a troubling indication of Russia's political direction over the next few years. President Medvedev had called for an end to "legal nihilism" as part of a wider reform effort and was widely believed to want Khodorkovsky's acquittal. It seems that he has been overruled by Vladimir Putin who last week even appeared to pre-empt the verdict by declaring that Khodorkovsky should stay in prison. Meaningful reform is at a standstill and Medvedev looks like a President in name alone." - David Clark, Chair of the Russia Foundation (UK think tank)

"It does come up in almost every meeting you have with prospective investors in Russia. They align the idea of Khodorkovsky with the idea of expropriation of assets, with the idea that Russia has no rule of law at all. And many many people don't invest in this country because of this issue." - Liam Halligan, Chief Economist, Prosperity Capital Management

"I am disappointed with the verdict against Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the harsh sentence. The impression remains that political motives played a role in this process. This contradicts Russia's repeatedly expressed intention to follow the road to rule of law." - Chancellor Angela Merkel

"The way the trial has been conducted is extremely dubious and a step backward on the road toward a modernisation of the country. It is in the interest of our Russian partners to take these concerns seriously and to stand up for the rule of law, democracy and human rights." - Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister commenting on the verdict.

"The anew conviction of Mikhail Khodorkovsky is the unfortunate end to a trial which was accompanied by many doubts. The circumstances of the process shed a critical light on the development of rule of law in Russia and the attempts to modernize the country. It is in the own interest of Russia to take the concerns of the international public regarding the outcome and the trial seriously." - Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister commenting on the sentencing.

"[The] Conviction and sentence show how far Russia is away from rule of law and how much political arbitrariness still dominates the judiciary." Gröhe further stated that there can be no modernization of Russia without freedom rights, rule of law and separation of powers. Without freedom rights, rule of law and separation of powers, there can be no modernization of Russia. If human rights are trampled on, this is never an internal affair of a country." - CDU Secretary-General Gröhe

"The fact that the Kremlin critic was convicted again for the same facts, for which he was already seven years in prison, is absolutely unacceptable. The announcements of Russian politicians to respect principles of the rule of law in the future have proved to be meaningless. Verdict and sentence were clearly politically motivated." - Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, Federal Justice Minister commenting on the sentencing

"[I am] shocked and personally deeply affected." In Europe, it must be considered now "how, in future, we can better support Russian civil society, the people who fight for civil rights, democracy and rule of law." The trial, the conviction and the extent of the sentence "undermine the confidence in Russia's modernization towards rule of law." - Markus Loening, The Human Rights Commissioner of the Federal Government

"[The Federal Government and EU should] now make it absolutely clear to the Kremlin that only a rule-of-law-Russia can be a strategic partner." Volker Beck, Spokesman for Human Rights Policy of the Green Group in the Bundestag

"The trial lacks rule of law standards and is clearly politically motivated. Since relevant witnesses testified in favor of Khodorkovsky it was hardly comprehensible how it could come to this verdict. The new verdict was a tough setback for Russia on the way to rule of law. The very idea that criminal law is used as an instrument of power is devastating." - Sabine Leutheusser-Schnerrenberger, Federal Minister of Justice commenting on the verdict

"I am very outraged at the guilty verdict. The verdict does not cast the conditions in Russia in a good light, [It is] an example of political abuse of the justice system. [President] Dmitry Medvedev's rhetoric about the rule of law is exactly that - mere rhetoric. The judgment is a crass misinterpretation of what happened in court," - Markus Löning, German Commissioner for Human Rights

"For the German government, respect for the rule of law in trials, as President [Dmitry] Medvedev has called for and as the chancellor [Angela Merkel] has frequently said, are being put to the test with this trial. Respecting the rule of law in trials is of the greatest importance for the development of a modern state based on the rule of law in Russia. The German government has followed this trial critically from the start and will continue to watch how it develops with close attention." - Christoph Steegmans, Deputy Government Spokesman

"Today's guilty verdict against the two defendants confirmed the concern that this process is not subject to the rule of law, to which Russia has committed. In the first trial, the defendants were convicted of tax evasion; in the second process Khodorkovsky and Lebedev were accused of having stolen money from their own companies. The two defendants therefore have been convicted in the same matter twice, but with contradictory explanations. After the pre-sentencing remarks of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin about the Khodorkovsky case a different verdict of the judge could not be expected. This adds to the already long existing impression that this is a politically motivated trial and conviction. It is therefore to be expected that in his reasoning the judge is looking for a way to keep Khodorkovsky also in custody over the 2012 presidential election." - Andreas Schockenhoff, Bundestag Deputy

"President Medvedev has shouldered the political responsibility for tackling ‘legal nihilism'. This is a very important commitment when it comes to the Yukos case. During the first trial it was a matter of tax evasion. Now, during the second trial, there is much more active use of words such as ‘stole, theft'. This all indicates that the present trial is an openly political." - Marieluise Beck , German and Bundestag Deputy

"[The trial was] considered a test of the rule of law in Russia.This issue is often raised in our discussions with representatives of business. I am not going to hide that it has caused concern" - Ulrich Brandenburg, Germany's Ambassador to Russia

"President Dmitry Medvedev's announcement to 'fight against legal nihilism' appears as a mere phrase. Russia has to finally implement the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights. Public prejudgements of Khodorkovsky, as expressed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are an open interference with the judiciary." - Peter Franck, Russia expert of Amnesty International in Germany.

"Today in Moscow, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev were found guilty to have stolen the oil of their own company. The charges were absurd, the process a farce, the verdict foreseeable. The public prejudgment by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was a clear hint to the outcome of the trial. The current prison sentence of the two defendants will expire in autumn 2011. Shortly after that, parliamentary elections are held in Russia, in March 2012, the President will be newly elected. Since Mr Khodorkovsky is seen as a potential adversary in the Kremlin, he and Lebedev are not allowed to be freed earlier. Therefore, a new indictment was constructed, which the court has processed dutifully. Anyone who has participated as observer in these hearings could not help the impression of a show trial. The Khodorkovsky process belies the reform rhetoric by President Dmitry Medvedev. The 'legal nihilism' which he lamented about is part of the system of "guided democracy" which has been expanded since Putin took power. In today's Russia, tax authorities and criminal justice system are proven instruments of state power in order to remove unwanted contemporaries out of the way and to bring companies under control." - Ralf Fuecks, President of the Heinrich Boell Foundation 

"Today's verdict is a fatal signal. The assurances from President Medvedev on the importance of the rule of law remain mere rhetoric. The steered democracy was an invention of then-President Putin. It has now been publicly supplemented by Prime Minister Putin by the steered judiciary. Who, in Russia, dares to oppose the Kremlin or acts responsibly with his economic power is at the mercy of this controlled judiciary. The Kremlin ignores the call for rule of law and investment security. Not just the people in Russia itself, but also its Western partners are affected. But without freedom rights, democratic control, protection of property rights and rule of law there can be no modernization of Russia." - Marieluise Beck, the parliamentary group Alliance 90/The Greens spokeswoman for Eastern Policy

"This guilty verdict is a bitter disappointment. I fiercely criticize today's conviction of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. This outcome was unfortunately the logical consequence of an unfair and politically motivated trial. Russia has thus missed another opportunity to support the rule of law and an independent judiciary in the country. The guilty verdict is a major setback for President Medvedev's announcement to fight the legal nihilism in Russia. Additionally, the political credibility of policy makers in the Russian Federation, namely Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, has been badly damaged. There is obviously an interest of the Russian regime, to imprison Khodorkovsky until after the presidential elections." - Marina Schuster, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the FDP parliamentary group

"[The conviction is] unacceptable and a sign of a politically controlled Russian justice system. In a show process the judge implemented a verdict which had already been politically ruled a long time ago. This guilty verdict means not only a human tragedy for the former Yukos chief, but also a defeat for the liberal course of President Medvedev, Germany and the EU must consistently support the release of Khodorkovsky and the today arrested demonstrators and opposition politicians." - Claudia Roth MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party

"Today's guilty verdict against Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a setback for the reform efforts of the Russian President. Khodorkovsky's name has long been symbolic for the rule of law problems of Russia. The reputational damage caused by the verdict is immense and is likely to have a deterrent effect on potential foreign investors, which the country still very much needs. A country in which the quality of the investment climate is more likely to be defined by having good contacts with decision makers as by the legal framework should, in the long term, have a problem to attract sufficient new capital into the country". - Gernot Erler MP, deputy chairman of the SPD parliamentary group

"A few days ago, the trial ended with a sentence that will keep Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev in prison until 2017. I am sure you know the Khodorkovsky case. The case concerns the former Yukos oil company magnate and his business partner Platon Lebedev, in jail since 2003 after being arrested for fraud and tax evasion and sentenced to eight years imprisonment in Siberia. In 2007 they were eligible for parole, according to Russian laws, having served half of their sentence, but the new allegations denied this possibility. A new trial began for embezzlement and money laundering and ended a few days ago with the known outcome. The sentence raised strong and firm reactions by the most important democracies in the world, from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the most authoritative European leaders. Respect for human rights and the right of defence in Russia represents an indicator of the degree of democracy of the country that cannot be underestimated. I urge you again, therefore, to take action personally and concretely, choosing the path of justice and legal certainty. The economic and trade relations are important and Russia is certainly a strategic partner for our country, especially on the energy front. But the respect and protection of human dignity have a much higher value. We know your personal friendship with the Russian Prime Minister and with President Medvedev. You openly talked with pride about this special relationship on several occasions and I believe this will help you to ask the Kremlin, the Prime Minister and especially President Medvedev to concretely and transparently commit to respect human rights and the right the defense for Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Platon Lebedev and for all Russian citizens. Mr. President, it is time that you follow the indication of the Parliament; it is the time that the Government take a strong position towards this worrying ruling. I am sure that taking this commitment will honor yourself as Prime Minister and as political leader as well as it will honor Italy." - Hon. Pier Ferdinando Casini, President of the UDC Party and former President of the Lower Chamber

"The new sentence to fourteen years' imprisonment for Mikhail Khodorkovsky highlights the extent of the political persecution against the former tycoon. Sentences of this kind tell us how far Russia is from modernizing its judicial system and ensuring respect for human rights and democracy. Every democrat must express concern and alarm for the numerous violations of the rule of law and legality in Russia. Therefore, following the protest coming from the Governments of many democratic countries, including Germany, France and the United States, our Government should also express indignation along with the international community. We thus expect that a clear and unequivocal statement arrives from Palazzo Chigi (i.e. the Government)." - Hon. Piero Fassino, MP, Responsible for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Party, former Minister of Justice and former Minister of International Trade

"In the last hours, in the occasion of the guilty verdict pronounced against Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the Governments of the major democracies of the world expressed their concerns about the trial and the lack of respect of human rights in Russia. The only government which was silent is that of Silvio Berlusconi and this is sadly self-explanatory." - Senator Zanda, Vice President of the Democratic Party group in the Upper Chamber

"The strong reactions to the guilty verdict against former tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky of the most important democracies of the world, including the US with Hilary Clinton and the leading European cabinets, should lead the Italian Government to take stance in this grey case. Last year all parties, with the exception of the Northern League, adopted a Parliamentary motion promoted by Casini urging the Government to activate all diplomatic channels as to guarantee the respect of human rights and the rights of defense for Khodorkovsky, Lebedev and for all Russian citizens. Today it is time to take into account this motion and adopt a strong position towards this preoccupying verdict which confirms that Russia is silently going towards a regime." -Hon. Roberto Rao, MP, Union of Centre

"With Berlusconi, Italy has turned into the black sheep of the international community. The Government is keeping an embarrassing silence towards the guilty verdict against Khodorkovsky while the US and the rest of the EU have strongly raised their concerns. To avoid any troubles with his friend Putin, the Prime Minister lowers once again the international image of our country." - Hon. Leoluca Orlando, MP, Spokesperson of IdV (Italia dei Valori) Party

"This sentence is a cruel, inhuman and gross mistake made by Putin" - Nolle Lenoir, former Minister of European Affairs, former member of the French Constitutional Court

"We call on the Russian authorities to take full account of the concerns the conduct of this trial raised with regard to the necessary affirmation of the vlaues in Russia are part of our common heritage: rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms... As pointed out by President Dmitry Medvedev himself, the consolidation of the rule of law is a condition necessary for the success of the modernization of Russia - French Ministry Of Foreign Affairs (reported on AFP)

"The judicial procedure is not finished since the defence intend to appeal against the verdict," noted the French foreign ministry. "We call on the Russian authorities to take full account of our concerns about this trial in relation to the strengthening in Russia of our common values - the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and liberties." - Christine Farge, spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry

"[This trial is important] notably for human rights promoters in Russia and elsewhere, and for all people attached to the principles of the rule of law." - Bernard Kouchner, former French Foreign Minister

"This trial seems kafkaian, Khodorkovsky never had a chance to defend himself in a fair trial, his rights as a human are not respected." - Herve Mariton, Foreign Minister and Head of the French-Russia Parliament Group

"I think we have to talk openly about those issues...We can't give up our judgment on the situation in Russia and must talk openly and critically about things that aren't democratic. The trial of Khodorkovsky wasn't an example of democratic conduct. I think that in Poland nobody has any doubts this is a bad sign for democracy in Russia. President of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski was fighting for freedom, values freedom, so its difficult for him not to think critically of this kind of situation. Even if he doesn't say anything, the President's critical opinion is an obvious result of his biography and system of values." - Professor Tomasz Nałęcz, Adviser to the Polish President

"The course of Mikhail Khodorkovsky's trial is an evidence of where the rule of law is in Russia. This evidence obviously doesn't look too good? He stressed that Poland and its EU partners "will have a lot more to say on this trial, once we know the final sentence and read its substantiation." - Marcin Bosacki, Spokesman for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Until Khodorkovsky is freed the world will look on the Russian prime minister as a leader for whom personal vengeance takes precedence over interests of State." - Adam Michnik, chief editor of Polish newspaper Wyborcza

"For Putin Khodorkovsky is evil personified. He had political ambitions, and Moscow doesn't tolerate that." - Adam Eberhart, Deputy Head of Centre for Eastern Studies (Polish Think Tank)

"[The] EU can't deal with human rights issues in the East" Pawel Zalewski, Member of the European Parliament

"Feels they are taking part in a farce." - Marcin Wojciechowski, journalist

"[Khodorkovsky's conviction] can be seen to send a worrying signal about the rule of law in Russia. Political considerations should have no role in the judicial process. We continue to stress the importance of transparency and respect for the rule of law. [The Canadian government] is troubled by the alleged lack of a judicial system that operates independently of the Russian government." - Lawrence Cannon, Foreign Minister

"The head of Estonia's diplomatic service considers that the Khodorkovsky-Lebedev trial represents a move away from the principles of a law-governed State in Russia. The international community is closely following what happens next." - Urmas Paet, foreign minister  

"President Mikhail Saakashvili considers the decision of the Russian court to be "laughable", "an insult to justice" and "a violation of all legal norms". This is an example and model of how the Russian authorities persecute people like Khodorkovsky - it is the face of Russian justice today." - Manana Mandjgaladz, Press Secretary of the Georgian President

"The sentence is a blow to the rule of law in Russia," said Rachel Denber, acting Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Everything about the charges and the trial indicates that the case against him is political."- Rachel Denber, Director, Human Rights Watch

"The Russian authorities' consistent disregard for due process in this trial only strengthens the impression that this second round of convictions has been politically motivated. All evidence points to a pattern of political motives and interference having obstructed justice in this case. The Moscow City Court must overturn this unfair conviction, to restore faith in the independence of Russia's legal system" - Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty International's Director for Europe and Central Asia

"The conviction and sentencing of Mikhail Khodorkovsky on false and absurd charges is disturbing evidence of a return to the ‘bad old days' in Russia. Khodorkovsky is a victim of a political prosecution directed by Vladimir Putin in an effort to punish and silence one of his most fearless and forceful critics. Many of us had high hopes that President Medvedev would take meaningful steps to reverse the decline in respect for human rights and the rule of law that has been so evident in Russia in recent years. Unfortunately the outcome of the Khodorkovsky trial has dashed those hopes. The Lantos Foundation calls on governments, human rights organizations, and individuals around the world speak up against this legal travesty. Putin needs to know that while he may be able to control the Russian judiciary, he cannot protect himself from being properly convicted in the court of public opinion for this clear abuse of power. The verdict of history will find that Mikhail Khodorkovsky was a man who came to recognize the inestimable value of true democracy, human rights, and transparency, and he was willing to put his freedom and his life on the line to defend these values. As for Vladimir Putin, unless he changes course, his reputation and legacy-like those of others before him-will be found on the ash heap of history." Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice

"He [Mikhail Khodorkovsky] is not just an ordinary prisoner but a dissident worthy of his predecessors. Any sign of solidarity from the international community will confirm that this is a fight that is just, necessary, and sooner or later will help lead to democratic change in Russia. We Poles, lawyers, journalists, scientists, students, NGO activists, are of the opinion that Russia can not be a free and democratic country as long as people are jailed for their views opposition to the ruling power." - Adam Bodnar, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

"Russia must overturn unfair conviction of Khodorkovsky!" - Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International