US Lawyers Explain Kudrin Subpoena in Khodorkovsky Trial
Kommersant interviewed attorney Sandy Saunders who represents Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev in the US.
Saunders says that Russian Vice Premier Alexei Kudrin received a summons to give evidence in the court. The summons was made in compliance with US legislation which allows foreign citizens to be called as witnesses to a US court or the US Department of Justice if they are in the jurisdiction of the court body with which the request for summons is filed.
Saunders said: "Mr. Khodorkovsky is not accusing Mr. Kudrin of anything... Mikhail Khodorkovsky believes that in his position, Mr. Kudrin is aware of the oil prices and production of Russian oil. He might also have some information about the alleged theft of 300 million tons of oil which my client is being incriminated for. Mr. Kudrin could also say that for the last six years, the company has been complying with the law. Mr. Kudrin previously made positive statements about YUKOS' merger with Sibneft, which shows he is familiar with the subject."