27 October 2003 21:15
Leading Article: Mr Putin and the throttling of Russian democracy
VLADIMIR PUTIN cuts a paradoxical figure. Positively tsarist in his autocratic attitudes, the Russian President has
nevertheless promoted stable economic development by a policy of commendable liberalism.
The contradiction has resulted in the extraordinary position of the so- called oligarchs - the fabulously rich men
who made a financial killing out of the collapse and privatisation of the state-run economy. At the weekend, Mikhail
Khodorkovsky, an oil tycoon whose personal wealth is reputed to be measured in billions of dollars, was arrested when
his private jet stopped to refuel at Novosibirsk in Siberia.
Like Boris Berezovsky and Vladimir Gusinsky, who have left Russia, he was accused of fraud and tax evasion, although
the charges follow the curious pattern of being levelled against the oligarchs only after they start to take an interest
in politics.
While Tony Blair warmly greets Mr Putin, the oppressor of Chechnya, as a fellow moderniser, the British judicial
system has granted Mr Berezovsky asylum, apparently accepting that he faces a well-founded fear of persecution - rather
than a mere court case for back taxes - in Russia.
The timing of Mr Khodorkovsky's arrest is unfortunate to say the least, with parliamentary elections to be held
across Russia in December. It looks politically motivated - not least because Mr Putin struck a public deal with the
oligarchs that the source of their money would not be investigated if they stayed out of politics. Mr Khodorkovsky only
recently began funding parties opposed to Mr Putin's United Russia party.
The oligarchs are rich enough, of course, to defend themselves and proclaim their innocence. More sinister is the
slow squeeze on the diversity of broadcasting in Russia, which has a chilling effect on the freedom of millions of
Russians, as opposition television stations are harassed or closed.
Whether or not Mr Putin is directly responsible for the arrest of Mr Khodorkovsky, it comes at an awkward time for
Russia. Just as the economy was starting to attract substantial amounts of foreign investment, on the basis of a robust
legal system and a stable polity, this is precisely the kind of sharp practice that will deter outside investors.
[UKIR [UK & Ireland Intelligence Wire]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
