Russia Rejects Criticism of Khodorkovsky Trial
VOA News 28 December 2010
Russia has rejected U.S.and European criticism of the embezzlement and money laundering conviction of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Khodorkovsky was a vocal critic of then-President Vladimir Putin before being thrown into jail in 2003. He and his business partner Platon Lebedev were found guilty Monday on charges that could extend their prison sentences.
U.S. officials have said they are troubled by alleged violations of the due process of law and the possible abuse of the legal system in the case. European officials also expressed doubt about the fairness of the trial, with Germany describing the conviction as a "step back" for democracy in Russia.
On Tuesday, Russia's foreign ministry reacted to the criticism by saying Moscow expected "everyone to mind his own business, both at home and in the international arena."
Sentencing of the two men, who already are serving time on previous charges of fraud and tax evasion, is expected once the Moscow judge finishes reading the 250-page long verdict.
Khodorkovsky was once Russia's richest man. He was head of the Yukos oil company before the Kremlin seized the company, declared it bankrupt and sold off its assets.
Authorities have charged him and Lebedev with stealing oil and laundering $27 billion in proceeds. Khodorkovsky denied the charges. His lawyers have vowed to appeal.
Both Khodorkovsky and Lebedev have almost completed eight-year prison terms for the earlier charges of fraud and tax evasion.
Khodorkovsky and his supporters say he is being punished for backing opposition candidates and Putin critics.
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