23 December 2003 01:43
Court delays decision on whether to free Khodorkovsky
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Russia's richest man and the largest shareholder in the Yukos oil company, last night remained in police custody as he awaited a decision by a Moscow court on whether to release him from pre-trial detention. The court was adjourned until today after the prosecution failed to present important documents demanded by Mr Khodorkovsky's lawyers. The high-profile case against the tycoon with strong political ambitions is an indicator of the political mood in the country and a test of the Kremlin's tolerance towards political opponents. The arrest of Mr Khodorkovsky indicated the strengthening hand of siloviki - the representatives of the security services and the military in the Krem-lin. A release for Mr Khodorkovsky from pre-trial detention - even if he is later convicted - could appease a more liberal wing of Russia's political elite that has been shaken by his arrest. Yesterday was the first time he has been seen outside his prison cell since being arrested at gunpoint in his private jet on October 25 and charged with tax evasion, fraud and theft. Prosecutors have demanded that Mr Khodorkovsky be kept in prison for another three months after his pre-trial detention expires on December 30. This means he could stay in jail at least until March 25, 11 days after the presidential elections which are to be held on March 14. His lawyers argued that it could take Mr Khodorkovsky up to one year to study more than 200 volumes of the prosecution case. Some 20 protesters gathered outside the courtroom yesterday demanding a release of Mr Khodorkovsky and carrying his portraits. Hundreds of Russian politicians signed letters in support of the tycoon. Yesterday's hearing started with a controversy after the court suggested it should be shifted to the Sailors' Rest prison where Mr Khodorkovsky is kept because of security risks. However, Mr Khodorkovsky's lawyers said this would mean a completely closed hearing and threatened to withdraw from the case. Later a judge apologised to lawyers on both sides, saying the security risk was not confirmed. Mr Khodorkovsky had declared his political ambitions while still enjoying the fruits of Russia's chaotic privatisation. This seems to have breached an informal agreement between the Kremlin and the oligarchs to stay out of politics. Amnesty International yesterday stopped short of calling Mr Khodorkovsky a prisoner of conscience, but said his arrest could be connected to his political activity.
[FTI [The Financial Times]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
