The Second Trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky

Author(s): Bill Bowring
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 59
Pages: 5-7
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

After Mikhail Khodorkovsky served much of his original eight-year prison term, the authorities have filed a new set of charges against him. If, as the defense lawyers argue, these charges are absurd, then Khodorkovsky's second trial, like the first, is political and should be evaluated on that basis. In contrast to the other oligarchs, Khodorkovsky openly challenged Vladimir Putin through his political and philanthropic activities. Although Khodorkovsky's vast wealth makes him unpopular with many Russian people, the Kremlin apparently fears that he would be able to manipulate Russia's corrupt system to his advantage.

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