Khodorkovsky Offers Support for Leaders of the Defense of the Khimki Forest
Mikhail Khodorkovsky wrote a letter of support to Yevgenia Chirikova, leader of the Movement in Defense of the Khimki Forest, whose protests about the construction of a highway through the forest eventually saw President Medvedev back down from his decision to allow the highway.
His letter states:
"Dear Yevgenia, I have been very worried about what has been happening to you and your supporters. I am glad that Medvedev has pointed the actions of our bosses in a different direction. There is a long way to go, of course, and the result is not guaranteed. The readiness to enter a dialogue other than by ‘cracking skulls' is in itself a reason to rejoice, however. As a Muscovite I wish you every success and am proud of you. As someone who knows what really goes on in Russia I'm concerned for your future. There are rather too many degenerates among your opponents. As a man I feel uncomfortable when a woman is at the forefront in such clashes."