Statements of Support (2003-2013) / Sir Bruce, Malcolm MP

“I think that Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been very unjustly imprisoned by the Russian authorities. Not only that – they keep bringing new charges. The conduct of justice and the lack of independent judiciary, I think all points to the fact that this is a man who has not offended against the people of Russia. I would say quite the contrary – he is a political prisoner. I think anybody who studied this situation knows that. Its time he was released and Russian authorities do themselves no credit by continuing to keep him imprisoned.

I have never had an opportunity to meet Mikhail Khodorkovsky, but I have a huge admiration for what he has done, because he, after all, could have left Russia at any time. He’s chosen to stay because he cares about the country. I think he has conducted himself with huge dignity. 10 years in prison for an offence that doesn’t exist is a great deal of suffering. To arrive to your 50^th Birthday when you have a family outside I think is also a painful situation. I think he is brave, principled, his commitment is clearly to Russia and the people of Russia and I commend him for that and wish him well”

Sir Malcolm Bruce MP, UK, speaking in an interview as part of the Decade of Injustice video series to mark the 10th anniversary of Khodorkovsky’s arrest, October 16, 2013