The celebrated Russian writer Boris Akunin wrote a blog entry to mark Khodorkovsky 50^th birthday on June 26, 2013.

The quality of a person is defined by the choices he makes in a difficult situation and by nothing else. The rest – is just decoration.

Here are the choices made in the life of Mikhail Khodorkovsky over the past 10 years.

Choice 1.

Khodorkovsky could have behaved towards Putin in the same way as the other oligarchs, and as a result would now definitely be at the top of the Russian Forbes list; he could have been the owner of football/basketball teams, completing his art collection and sailing the seas on a beautiful white yacht. But he made a choice: he tried to change the system. And failed.

Choice 2.

After failing, he could have fled and lived abroad, carelessly spending money. Or, perhaps with his potential, he could have been at the top of the World Forbes list long ago. But his friend Platon Lebedev was in prison and MBK decided that he would not leave.

Choice 3.

At the trial MBK could have obeyed and as a result received a minimum sentence. However, he decided that he would fight for his innocence. As a consequence, he first got eight years, and then eleven years, in prison.

Choice 4.

It was constantly hinted to MBK and sometimes explicitly stated – ask for a pardon and be humble – and you will be freed. He did not ask and will not ask.

Choice 5.

This choice, I suspect, was the most difficult of all.  It is humiliating to confess to crimes one did not commit and beg for mercy –  but he could just have sat quietly, not stuck his neck out and made no noise and the prison term would end and they would let him out. But MBK continues to write and speak out about what he thinks despite knowing that this deprives him of the chance of his release. The recent amnesty for businessmen has been drawn up deliberately to exclude MBK so, God forbid, it will not permit his freedom.  Now, it seems, a third case is being prepared. It is absolutely clear that while Putin is in power he will not let his enemy out of his cage. The prisoner understands this perfectly well, but doesn’t want to be quiet, and his voice with passing years becomes louder.

Today Mikhail Khodorkovsky turns 50.

When he was imprisoned, he was well-groomed, young and beautiful and owner of the most valuable of Russia’s companies. Now he is a tired, middle-aged and grey-haired master of his own destiny. This is a high career rise.

Excerpt from an interview with the ‘New Times’ June 24, 2013
Interviewer:
–          Imagine that you are back in that plane on the day you were arrested. Imagine that you knew then what you know now about what your life would be for the next 10 years. What would you have done?
Khodorkovsky:
–          Then? I’m afraid, I would have shot myself.

Over time, for many people, Khodorkovsky has become a symbol of the qualities that are in catastrophic shortage today: dignity and courage. It is a hard destiny – to be a symbol of dignity and courage. But Russia is very lucky that back then, in 2003, Khodorkovsky did not leave. And did not shoot himself.

Let’s wish Mikhail Borisovich strength, health and – freedom.