Political Quotes

“the Khodorkovsky/Lebedev trial resumed on Monday last week before a three judge panel in Moscow. Since the last hearing three weeks ago, the physical appearance of the court was much improved: the courtroom had been air conditioned and the halls outside had been refurbished and painted. Appearances are important, but substance is critical. Respect for the rule of law in Russia is essential for the same reason it is essential in every democratic society--citizens, the press, and the business community must have confidence that the legal system affords them protection of their rights and that everyone is treated equally under that law. In Russia there is a pattern of troubling signs that the rule of law and a free press are threatened. I know a number of my House colleagues share these concerns. Members of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the Helsinki Commission, and the Russia Democracy Caucus are just some of those who have expressed their misgivings. One high profile example of concern is the seizure of the assets of Russia's largest oil company, YUKOS, and the trial of two of YUKOS's largest stockholders, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev.”