Embassy of the U.S., Tallinn

The rule of law and an independent judiciary are cornerstones of any free and great nation. Thus, it is with marked disappointment that the United States Government and all people who believe that equal justice is an obligation and not simply a catchphrase, learned of the second conviction of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Many believe that his main crime was becoming politically active.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the Russian verdict, "...raises serious questions about selective prosecution and about the rule of law being overshadowed by political considerations." The sentences for Mr. Khodorkovsky and his associate, Platon Lebedev, have yet to be handed down; however, the White House has stated that it will be closely following the sentencing and appeals phases of this matter.

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