Pavel Khodorkovsky, the president of the Institute of Modern Russia has written to attendees of the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging them to remember the plight of his father, Mikhail Khodorkvosky and raise the issue at the forum. Ahead of the speech given by Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday, Pavel wrote to attendees with “a personal request” that they should “keep in mind the profound role that the establishment of the rule of law and human rights could play in creating a more prosperous and stable Russia.”

In his letter, Pavel quoted Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s view that: “Abuse of power in Russian politics has been allowed to flourish too long. We need to modernize our economy, build a genuine civil society, end legal nihilism and stamp out corruption. We need to do this to build a better life for our children and our children’s children, and for the country we love to prosper and to be engaged usefully in a changed and changing world.”

In his own address, however, Medvedev attempted to portray a different picture of Russia, claiming that despite its critics Russia is “an open country” and that “good governance remains our priority.” In contrast to Medvedev’s claims, however, Pavel Khodorkovsky reminded attendees that “Ending corruption is not just a human rights issue; the Russian government’s contempt for the rule of law and the proliferation of corruption remains a huge impediment to direct foreign investment.”

Meanwhile, in response to Pavel’s letter, Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s friend and business partner, Platon Lebedev, issued his own statement reminding Davos participants that before his imprisonment, “the forum had included Mikhail Khodorkovsky in the list of people who will be defining the fate of humanity in the 21 century. I have no doubt that immediate release of Mikhail Khodorkovsky will allow him fulfil the mission defined by this respectable forum.”

Pavel Khodorkovsky’s letter to attendees of the World Economic Forum can be read in full below:

January 22, 2013

Dear World Economic Forum Attendee:

As you arrive in Davos, I wanted to send you a short note, a personal request if I may — to urge you to keep in mind the profound role that the establishment of the rule of law and human rights could play in creating a more prosperous and stable Russia.

My father, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former Yukos CEO and once frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum, has been imprisoned since 2003 by the Putin regime for opposing Kremlin policies and encouraging a more robust civil society. Yukos’ assets were seized and the company’s executives, along with other Russian business leaders, were also jailed or fled the country in fear. Despite grave personal risks, my father continues to speak out for democratic values and an end to the rampant corruption that is preventing Russia from achieving its true economic potential. As you gather to discuss today’s most important issues, please remember my father’s plight and the pressing need for Russian reform.

All Russians are proud that our country is taking on a bigger role in global affairs, having achieved entry into the WTO and winning selection to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. But until Putin’s dysfunctional and authoritarian regime stops stifling independent political activity, limiting the work of NGOs, enacting heartless measures like the U.S. adoption ban and violating the basic human rights of its citizens, Russia will never assume its rightful place as a leader on the world stage. My father said it best:

“Abuse of power in Russian politics has been allowed to flourish too long. We need to modernize our economy, build a genuine civil society, end legal nihilism and stamp out corruption. We need to do this to build a better life for our children and our children’s children, and for the country we love to prosper and to be engaged usefully in a changed and changing world.”

Ending corruption is not just a human rights issue; the Russian government’s contempt for the rule of law and the proliferation of corruption remains a huge impediment to direct foreign investment. Both U.S. and Russian officials have publicly acknowledged Russia’s weak property rights and rampant corruption are reasons to avoid doing business in Russia. This is thwarting job creation and starving Russian businesses of the capital they need to grow.

Unless the regime releases my father immediately, October 25, 2013, will mark the tenth anniversary of his brutal imprisonment. Raise the issue at Davos! For in the end, my father’s unjust imprisonment and the continued politicization of Russian courts illustrate Russia’s increasingly hostile approach to domestic and international policy. On behalf of those who dream of civil society in Russia, we urge you to use your attendance at Davos as a platform to personally support a Russia of free markets and a free people.

Best regards,

Pavel Khodorkovsky
President, Institute of Modern Russia