Khodorkovsky asks to support Bolotnaya Square case defendants
MOSCOW. Feb 19 (Interfax) - Former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky said he urged opposition activists to more actively support defendants of the Bolotnaya Square case as the verdict would be "punitive and cruel."
"The final act of a real drama is unfolding in front of our eyes. On February 21 the judge will return the verdict. Almost no one doubts that it will be punitive and cruel," Khodorkovsky said in an article posted on the website of his press office on Wednesday.
Khodorkovsky said "We all have heard many times during protests - 'one for all and all for one!' Now it is time to stand by this slogan".
"And even the behavior of bailiffs, not letting audiences in the court hall, shows that such support is needed," Khodorkovsky said. "Believe me, your presence at both trials regarding Yukos and constant interest over ten years helped me and [Khodorkovsky's former business partner] Platon Lebedev a lot," he said.
"Showing solidarity is needed not only to those who are behind bars but to us as well," Khodorkovsky said.
This support "is important not just for convicts and their relatives but to everyone, who cares about the fate of Russia and its democratic development," the statement said.