Statements of Support (2003-2013) / Ojuland, Kristiina

“Mikhail Khodorkovsky has now spent almost a decade in prison. A decade of injustice. The European Parliament has followed closely the politically motivated persecutions against him. There are many of us across Europe who have not forgotten Khodorkovsky and will continue fighting for him to be released and for justice to be done. Khodorkovsky’s case is a reflection of deterioration of the rule of law and human rights in today’s Russia. Russia is a great country, but it is heading down to the wrong road, the road characterised by authoritarianism and repression. No country that supposedly adheres to European values should lock up people for their political beliefs and activities. My hope for this year is that Russia begins to change, and the surest sign of change would be the release of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. But as he remains imprisoned, I have this message for him:

Mikhail Borisovich,

We are with you, and have not forgotten you. This year marks your 50^th Birthday in June and then the anniversary of your arrest in October. I wish you strength and courage in your continuing battle for justice. You are an inspiration to so many people in Russia and around the World. I look forward to the day when you can come to the European Parliament as a free man”

Kristiina Ojuland, MEP, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), speaking in an interview as part of the Decade of Injustice video series to mark the 10th anniversary of Khodorkovsky’s arrest, September 10, 2013