In response to a major interpellation from the Green Parliamentary Faction over rule of law in Russia, the German Federal Government said yesterday that it repeatedly expresses its position about the trial and “harsh sentence” for Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, and that it criticised the “very questionable circumstances” of the whole process.

In this context the Federal Government repeatedly demanded that the principle of rule of law should be observed in Russia. This would be essential for the development of a constitutional state.

In addition, the Federal Government further said that the trial against Mikhail Khodorkovsky adversely affects efforts for more rule of law in Russia and that legal certainty is of importance for the perception of security and justice of citizens as well as for the investment climate.

Click HERE to see the press release of German Bundestag.