Russia’s human rights champion, Lyudmila Alexeyeva, celebrates her 86^th birthday on July 20^th.  She is a founding member of the Moscow Helsinki Watch Group and a long-time supporter of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev.

The Khodorkovsky’s Press Center in Russia pays tribute to her: wishing her a long life and a Happy Birthday:

“People in power are somehow embarrassed and intimidated by you – they feel awkward in front of you.  Even though they have little left of their conscience, it is better than nothing at all. Therefore, your every word, your every gesture and your every step are extremely important.  They matter to all of us, but they also influence the people in power and hold them back.

We wish you strength and health, there is so much left to do and we need your help. Happy Birthday!”

The staff of the Press Centre