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As a Member of the European Parliament I am deeply concerned about growing repression
in Russia. The regime appears to be increasingly paranoid.
The political opposition to Putin has been neutralised, thanks in part to fraudulent
elections. The development of civil society is hampered by restrictive laws. Human rights
are routinely abused, and those who defend human rights are harassed and persecuted.
Political interference in the judicial system is obvious, as seen recently with the case
of *** Riot.
All this is very far away from the European values that Russia supposedly shares with
us. It's very long away from the liberal and open democracy that we would like to see in
Russia, and that many millions of Russians want to see as well.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky -
Over the past ten years I have followed your case very closely. I was present in the courtroom.
For you, this has been a decade of injustice. For Russia, it has been a decade of lost opportunities.
But for millions of Russians your struggle represents hope - hope of a better future
in a truly free society where fundamental rights are guaranteed.
You have sacrificed your freedom, but you have never sacrificed principles. I wish you
strength and courage to continue your fight in this important year, when you turn fifty.
The history of Europe teaches us that dictatorship can never defeat hope. One day, Russia will
change. Through your ideas and your vision, you are already helping to shape that change.
We in the European Parliament stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and all those in Russia
who believe in a brighter future.
I wish you all the best, especially good health. Don't give up hope. For a democratic restart
in Russia such wise and brave men like you are urgently needed.