Khodorkovsky Interviewed by Sole24Ore
Speaking to Sole24Ore's Antonella Scott, Mikhail Khodorkovsky discusses the trial against him, Russian politics and life in a Russian prison.
"In 2003, Putin's choice became definitive: we moved from a democratic model of government in Russia - that allowed the coexistence of different powers - to an authoritarian model. The government took control of mass media, abolished Governors' election, and changed election laws. A crucial step was getting hold of Yukos. Since Yeltsin's time, my colleagues and I had always supported the opposition, so they first tried to force us out of the country. Having failed to do so, they then made a common practice to all other Russian oil companies illegal."
In the early afternoon, the Moscow's court looks a little "drowsy": it's time for the second trial against Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, managers of Yukos, accused of having stolen 350 million tons of oil between 1998 and 2003. Inside a cage, the men accused look each other and laugh. "Your Honor, the prosecutor is accusing them of facts that happened when they were already in prison", the attorneys object. But also during the first trial- when Khodorkovsky was convicted of fraud, getting 8 years in Siberia - there were "political reasons" behind the conviction: his mistake was challenging Putin on politics, a mistake that one conviction is not enough to erase. Khodorkovsky, arrested in 2003, risks 22 more years in prison.
Did you expected this second trial?
I've been ready since 2006. It was clear that the people that led Yukos to bankruptcy - making more than $35 billion - could never let me go. They've persuaded political authorities that I have to remain in jail. Against all logic, they accuse me of having stolen every drop of oil from Yukos. Interesting, but then where did they find the $35 billion?
What do you think of the Russian judicial system?
I can't trust a system that depends on the arbitrary decision of only one person: his assessment is made by those who surround him and based on "artfully constructed" data. I can't trust the system because it completely depends on the Government and the Secret Services. I can't even count on the judge's pardon: I should admit crimes that I haven't committed.
Have you got any advice for a Russian businessman that might find himself in a situation similar to yours?
There are no longer such businessmen. And for the few that remain, my advice would be the last thing to follow.
What attitude do Russians have toward you? Many think that you've already paid enough.
The opinion of those most educated and informed is clear: they know that my case is political, absurd and illegal.
But there are also those who think you have made mistakes, and don't feel regret.
The madhouse is the place for those who think of being infallible. I lived my generation's life. Many mistakes, a little wisdom. But those who say that I haven't done anything for my country lie. I know what to be proud of. Having raised from ruin the best Russian oil company I think is something. True, I've made mistakes. And I will respond in front of God, but I hope there's still time to put things right.
How would you describe the Russian penitentiary system?
Despite some little changes, it remains like a Gulag in its mentality: a chain that assembles "the Russian criminal". In here, the human being is not respected: they only try to destroy human beings, to make them robot, androids. And so crime is repeated in Russia, even if prisons are only part of the problem. The main responsibilities lie within the judicial system, which is at the mercy of the government, and society lets it happens.
Have you ever met somehow that really helped you?
I've met lots of people who were able to support my friends and family. While I was in jail, I receive the good words of Anna Politkovskaya: I'm very grateful to her.
How do you keep informed in jail?
If you have self control, even in jail you can maintain your "intellectual status". Books, newspapers are allowed. Computers, internet and music are prohibited.
If you could go back, would you change anything?
I don't like looking back. God gives us challenges; it's our task to overcome them.
In the pictures taken during the trial you often smile. Where do you find the strength to do so?
Do the right thing, accept what will come: it's my inner belief, my faith. It's what gives me an absolute inner peace.