Environmental activist Yevgeniya Chirikova first rose to prominence leading a protest movement against the construction of a highway that cut through a famous forest preserve.  Now she’s leading a bold bid to become mayor of Khimki.

According to coverage in The Moscow Times, Chirikova has been arrested, roughed up, and threatened by state-sponsored opponents, yet remains undaunted by this harassment and appears committed to competing in the election.

As an opposition leader, she has garnered a high degree of attention and support for seeking to accomplish her goals from within the formal – yet limited – structures of political representation.  Among others, Mikhail Khodorkovsky has come forward to commend Chirikova, arguing that opposition minded people should support her mayoral bid.

“I believe that Chirikova is a brave and responsible person: she and her team are ready and able to solve the city problems,” Khodorkovsky said in a statement published on his Russian website.  “I believe that in the current situation politicians, political and social structures that oppose the present federal and local government could consolidate in support of this candidate.”

“Then – and only then – the opposition will demonstrate to voters that they can use the new legislative opportunities to effectively fight for power in order to offer a real alternative to the citizens, and not just another boring session of self promotion,” he said.

Yevgeniya Chirikova has responded to Mikhail’s statement via Twitter:

“Wow! Mikhail Khodorkovsky is calling for my support. That is very inspiring!”

“Many thanks to Mikhail Khodorkovsky for his support! He has shown once again that one can stay a Man, even in inhuman conditions.”