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KK,Moscow, Russia The issue isn't whether he's right to arrest Khodorkovsky, it's why he's only done it when he started showing opposition. Khodorkovsky is no more corrupt than any businessman or state official in Russia, but he is being punished for daring to have his own vision for the future of Russia, different from that of Putin and his cronies. And now we have it: first Putin tamed the press, than the regional elites, then the parliament and the civil society, and now the big business. That's a Chechen scenario for the entire Russia. Next year, he will be standing alone at the presidential elections, and the West will applaud the new stability. Mohammed Mahatir is gone, hail the new Mohammed Mahatir! Russia sounds wonderful. If only we'd arrest our rich corporate crooks instead of letting them buy even more of the media. Why is it in any way inappropriate for Russian prosecutors to pursue the matter? In fact, when Mr Khodorkovsky and Yukos sought to acquire a controlling share in the Norwegian company KV�RNER, the Norwegian intelligence community felt compel to warn the Norwegian government about the shady nature of these "free enterprise" players. That would not have been the case if Mr Khodorkovsky and Yukos was a shining example of free enterprise. Of course Mr Putin has his own (questionable) motives for cracking down on the competition! But that is by no means the only issue here.
Nickolai, Moscow, Russia A modest middle class communist transformed into a multibillionaire in less than a decade does not deserve an absolute extrajudicial declaration of innocence. The arrest of one person in Russia cannot signal a calamitous return to autocracy and tight state controlled economy as its being branded about. I believe that Putin is 100% correct. How these oligarchs have become so rich in such a short amount of time smells a bit iffy, to say the least. If they have acted illegally and/or are dodging taxes then they should be brought to book. At least Putin is showing that the political system in Russia cannot be bought by big business, something the US could learn from. We cannot expect Russia to just become democratic. It must be understood that Russia was not even claimed to be a democracy until 1991 and before this their people have had to endure centuries of autocratic rule. Thus some autocratic measures will undoubtedly surface, but as long as the world keeps checks on Russia's development then it has a good chance of remaining democratic. Just a linguistic hint: in regard to a very autocratic decision of the Council for Electronic Media in Bulgaria, the e-forums in Bulgarian newspapers invented a new term - "putinisation" of the state, meaning autocratic interests and suppression of democratic will.
I believe the intentions of the Russian President are as good as ever, but he needs our help, support, guidance, protection. And yes, it is us, the commoners, who should stand by and not let anybody slip down the path of autocracy or anything like that. Go ahead Mr. Putin, we are standing by to give you a hand (as long as you are doing things right). Many claim that Khodarkovski stole his money as if it was a fact, this is not the case. He bought the company cheap, but then the stock market did the rest. So in a way he is no different than Bill Gates, except that he supports opposition in Russian and not in a western country. If Khodorkovsky has been evading taxes as a Russian citizen, I see nothing wrong on him being arrested. Nobody is above the law and so is Mr.Khodorkovsky. No matter what time he was arrested if it was the right time to arrest him does not raise fears in any way of autocratic Russia emerging. In the USA it is said that no man, including the President, is above the law. Sadly, here, as in Russia and many other countries, money is used by the rich to break or usurp the laws all of the time. In this country, there is a push to make the laws concerning embezzlement, bribery, fraud, and tax evasion much harsher. I doubt they will pass however. The rich establishment will make sure of that.
Anton, Moscow, Russia To Vladislav, Moscow, Russia who state that "99% of the people in Russia are fully supportive of the president": speaking about myself, I am definitely in the remaining percent. IMHO, a more realistic score is 80-20. That is the usual ratio that divides more productive people from less productive in almost every society. The essence of communism was not about the state versus people but of those 80% against 20%. And this 80% will happily embrace any system, no matter how autocratic, that provides "vodka and pickles" plus some other basics supporting their reproduction instincts. Mr. Putin is anything but stupid and/or shallow. It's not his style to use a hammer where a touch would suffice. He surely knew there would be a reaction to this move. So, he's taking this gamble for more than short-term political reasons, I'm sure. There's absolutely no evidence that this is an attack on the market economy per se. Former KGB man arrested former communist! What next?
Marat Afzalov, Russia I don't think a new kind of autocracy is taking shape. I don't think that pursuing Mr. Khodorkovsky is the objective, it's more what he stands for. Since the fall of Soviet Union the wealth has been in the hands of few. Very few. St. Petersburg and Moscow are extremely beautiful cities. And they're quite wealthy. But take a look at the countryside. Many people live in poor conditions. Every winter there's lots of people freezing in their homes because the state cannot supply electricity and maintain the heating. Every year truckloads of second-hand clothes and toys etc. leave my country to help the little ones in Russia. Therefore, if there's tax evasion it is a disgrace for the whole nation. Because it indicates that there are people who don't care about children, elderly people, schools, healthcare etc. And that's a bad thing for the generations to come. Anna, Russia: Wanting Khodorkovsky's money to work for you or to somehow benefit you is telling that you still hold tight to socialist ideas. In a democracy, everyone has the freedom and opportunity to make his own fortune. However, they are not obligated to share that wealth with the entire country. People must make their own living and their own fortune. That being said, if Mr. K did something financially wrong or illegal in his business dealings, then he should be heavily fined. Then, that money should go to benefit everyone. Perhaps Mr. K's punishment should be that he builds housing for the poor people?
Annette, Chagrin Falls, OH USA I own a small business in Moscow, I work with Western companies (so my business directly depends upon my freedom), and I always vote for democrats. So do I support this particular Putin's action? Absolutely. I must admit that before Abramovich bought Chelsea, I had some illusions that stolen money might start working for the country. Then I realized that that was not gong to be the case -- thieves would remain thieves and will continue to rob this country until stopped. It's a shame it took so long for me and other people to realize that. In a bigger picture, this is just part of Putin undoing what Yeltsin brought to Russia. Victim, yes. Innocent, probably no. No. Putin is simply trying to lay down the law. If he does not do so, the wealthy criminals and corporate crooks will be running the Russian government. Putin has to start somewhere. Khodorkovsky is described as "Ken Lay(Enron CEO) with a machine gun". Many Americans wish Bush would go after corporate criminals in the U.S. But he doesn't. Go Putin! Putin made a good move. He can't allow a political system under the influence of the oligarchs. As long they where using their "stolen" fortune in business investments or lavish life style it was almost ok. But now they crossed the red line and got only their fingers burned, so far. To: Mikhail Kononov, St Petersburg, Russia. Very well put, sir. I agree with you whole heartedly. The western media should mind their own business and stick to the facts. Russia is in fine hands and if the law has been broken, let those who break it pay. Putin's actions will not have major consequences for the world as long as he does not have money to rearm the Russian Army and restore it to its previous splendour. First Dzierzhinsky, then Yezhov, then Beria, then Andropov, now Putin. What a great line of Russian leaders have Moscow's security services produced! Yes, no, who cares? What people should realize is that people as rich as Mr Khordorkovsky are never arrested in the West. Whatever their crime! I'm kind of suspicious that Putin arrested Khodorkovsky who supported his political rivals, but left alone other very rich individuals who don't interfere with Russian politics.
Chris Fletcher The oligarchs bought companies when they were cheap. Is buying stealing? And does it mean that in a democratic country there can be no billionaires because the wealth is supposed to be with the poorer citizens? One moment, please. It seems you don't understand some subtle things. For example - only viable & strong enough opposition to Putin' influence in Parliament is the Communist Party of Russia. Then, please, answer some questions yourself from your heart. Do you realize that Khodorkovsky supported Communists? Do you know the programme of the Communist Party of Russia? Would you like to support them as well as Khodorkovsky? If you think - I'm wrong - just check how many Yukos` men are running for the Communist Party of Russia. I agree with someone who said don't jail him, let him keep making the obscene profits but just make sure most of these profits go back to the people of Russia by a taxation scheme that taxes them to the hilt. It is unbelievable and totally bizarre to see these millionaires/billionaires showing up in a country that has been downtrodden for so long. These Russian oligarchs are not different from the so-called elites in Nigeria who have shared the country's wealth among themselves and their families and friends. I support 100% Putin's probe pursuit as long as it does not violate one's human rights and it corresponds with the country's laws.
Muhammad Khalid Qureshi, Karachi, Pakistan The comparison between the market situation in Russia today and the beginning of market economics in America is not exact but it is worth considering that somehow the market in Russia must be cleaned of corruption and the public reassured of its validity through the execution of the law. However, Putin has kept his KGB style and is cracking the whip without considering other options that would bolster instead of evaporate investor confidence. President Bush could learn an equal lesson and crack the whip on the executives of Enron and other carnivorous companies. I would say that. I'm sure that Khodorkovsky is being held under brutal conditions and without due process. Jeff, USA: So I guess its good to know that the detainees in Guantanamo bay live in luxury, have constant access to legal aid and their own families while enjoying tea and biscuits while chatting to those who "debrief" them.... Accusing someone for corruption in Russia is like handing out speeding tickets in the Daytona 500 Speedway! The west has this leftover Cold War mentality and fear of Russia which is reflected in the media's over-reaction and bias in its reporting of all things Russian. Russia's opposition to the War in Iraq is merely seen as a concern for its financial interest in Iraq, while the US interest in Iraq's oil is heavily downplayed. With the so-called Putin/Bush friendship, Putin is seen as having the ulterior motives, but not Bush. But no one here reports on the reforms taking place in Russia, and the countless pieces of legislation Putin has put into effect, neither the growth in the economy.
Michael J. Berezowsky, Troy, Michigan, USA Jailing someone in Russia for corruption is like handing out speeding tickets in the Datona 500 Speedway! My wife is from a former Soviet nation and is also a big fan of Putin. She is one who believes that certain cultures sometimes need authoritarian action to bring about order. I've heard what she has to say about this situation, and read what the western media says about it as well. I have mixed opinions on the subject. Sure, he's guilty of some things, but he's primarily being targeted for his political activity, not his financial crimes. I was living in Russia during Mr Yeltsin's tenure and I saw the plundering of the state by a number of Russian so-called oligarchs. It all happened when the country was turning itself into a market economy. I remember that the process won high praise from all western countries and no one seemed to care about the looting, as long as they could sell their products in the Russian market. I believe Mr Putin is just attempting to create a working market economy, which could also benefit the regular Russian citizen. Governing Russia is certainly not an easy task. Although there are excesses in what is happening now, the West could just look back 100 years and remember what their process of consolidation of market economies was like. Today's Russian experience would look quite civilised indeed.
Pavel Merdine, Kaluga, Russia Having lived in the former Soviet Union I see this action as a threat against true democracy. Putin is trying to lure more Western business but he can't be trusted to accomplish true reforms. It is a shame for Russia to jail this man. They could have used other options such as fines or let's say nationalize some 25-30% of the shares to help the budget....but give a man another chance... let them do the business! Putin is right because monopoly is not natural and everything should be in the favour of proletariat. The arrest of a capitalist for fraud and tax evasion, if such charges are true, will boost, rather than hinder, the democratic process. As an American citizen, I worry more about the threat to democracy on US soil in the form of the "Patriot" Act.
Alexander Kallaur, Montreal, Canada The US had to reign in its own oligarchs in the early 19th century when their excessive wealth and unethical business practices were doing harm to the citizenry. Hopefully once the dust settles in Russia some of the wealth will be in the hands of ordinary Russians. Vladimir Putin is the man who can establish order in Russia, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky and others similar to him are obstacles in Putin's way to creating wealth and luxury for our country! Russia is certainly more autocratic, but with fewer oligarchs expect less capital flight and higher economic growth.
Mark M. Newdick, Danbury, CT, USA No, Russia is just fine. Khodorkovsky and many others took advantage of soviet fall and bought many companies for cheaper than cheap. Russian people don't have love affair with Khodorkovsky. That is not to say Putin's government is doing the right thing. I work in Moscow and have a connection to one of the oligarchs. The oligarchs made their money in ways which would not have been allowed in other countries - but they did this with the support of the previous administration - this applies to all of them. I believe the Khodorkovsky case is worrying - it is not a case of catching a bad guy - more likely it's a case of re-distributing the goodies. Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and Gusinsky used their own media outlets or other media channels to question the current administration. "My oligarch" has sworn to be quiet and be loyal - and to share out some of his gains - the latter point being critical. All those who say Khodorkovsky is no angel are correct but lets wait to see what happens to Yukos. Will the Russian poor benefit from this or are the St Petersburg clan and the FSB just looking for their piece of a thriving business? If the seizure of Yukos results in a rise in pensions paid from oil proceeds or the selling of shares I will be truly amazed.
Mikhail Kononov, St.Petersburg, Russia These people that took over the Soviet government companies are nothing but opportunistic thieves. You should not consider them anything else when determining whether Putin should or should not prosecute them. What Putin did was absolutely right. That oil should be in the hands of the proletariat. If Mr Khodorkovsky has indeed broken the law then the investigation should show it. If he hasn't then he should be exonerated. The fact that such a big fuss is being made of it probably shows other firms are afraid due to their own dealings. Shouldn't we support application of the law? I think we should just let the law follow its course. And, as long as the investigation into the dealings of Mr Khodorkovsky take place, kudos to Mr Putin for resisting such pressure. Putin is just trying to prevent Russia from being plundered once more by the West and its financial institutions. And I am sure the government has a case since every oligarch is by definition a criminal. I hope they all get arrested.
Anna, Russia I've found that the moral system of a society is more important than the political system. The moral systems in Russia and China have crumbled -- coupled with a corrupt system of "robber capitalism." Putin simply wants to reproduce the Chinese system: no political freedom coupled with market avarice. I find it interesting that the arrest of one man, although very rich and powerful, has raised questions about danger of autocracy in Russia, while Russian regime's actions in Chechnya have not justified such a concern in the West. Why? A lot of foolish people couldn't wait to invest their money in Russia. Now they are beginning to worry that they may have been rash by not waiting until this country became a true democracy with independent courts and fair well enforced laws. It's a little late to jump ship now. If it is about corruption, they did the right thing and in time it can be in the benefit of the Russian economy. But if not, Russia is looking for trouble.
Luc, France Luc, France - just wait, you don't go after all the criminals at once, you take them once at a time. The arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky is not necessarily a movement against democracy and free enterprise in Russia. I believe it is just a political movement aimed at a businessman who could very well be rightly accused of fraud and tax evasion. Absolutely not. If a country like the US can go to war without a casus belli and dismantles its infrastructure, then the Russian authorities are in full power to bring about order in their system. The US can not be blamed for authoritarianism while invading a sovereign country without a UN approval. The arrest of the Russian tycoon sends no message of any sort but resounds the echoes of a vibrant society which is wiping out corruption. However concerning on the short run, this action is definitely a step forward toward a real democracy in Russia. We should not forget that one of the major actions which secured the development of the democracy in the US was the adoption of the Anti-Trust Act in the beginning of the 20th century. Of course, oligarchs like Rockefeller considered this action as "autocratic" and "anti-democratic" because it reduced their ability as individuals to influence the political choices of a nation of millions. What people are failing to mention is that this man was arrested because he funded the opposition and is about the only "oligarch" in Russia to have done so. I feel it is a politically motivated arrest and does signal a return of autocracy to Russia. It's disturbing.
Babar Khan,Ossining, USA I think Mr. Putin still has a lot of KGB chief left in him. This move was purely political, he felt threatened so he had him removed. If this man is truly guilty then put him on trial & lets see the evidence. But I doubt that will happen, he will probably end up in a gulag somewhere. Sounds like the old Soviet system to me. The tragedy of Khodorkovsky was that he became a victim of the very system he helped to create during Yeltsin' era. He was one of the group of well-connected shady figures who came mostly from the stock of Communist Party/Communist Youth League officials. They received control of huge state assets for next-to-nothing in exchange for sharing the profits with corrupt Russian officials who engineered this criminal privatization scheme. To be fair, Khodorkovsky really tried to break away from this corrupt relationship between business and power. He introduced transparency in Yukos' financial dealings and made the company respected international business player. The current action against the merged Yukos is an internal "cleaning" affair. It has certainly put on hold the speculation of any substantial foreign investment into the company. Autocratic? It may depend on the transparency of the investigations. I don't see any kind of emerging autocratic regime in Russia. I think the Oligarchs have simply stolen wealth from the Russian people and now they are being arrested one by one for robbery, like they should be.
Yakov, Moscow, Russia This is democratic, rather than autocratic. Western politicians are too much in the pockets of the big corporations, and people have become accustomed to it. Do we really want hugely influential oil barons, when the environment is in peril? Or arms manufacturers sponsoring the politicians most likely to start a profitable war? I don't blame Russia for not wanting to follow that path. Whatever the motives for Khodorkovsky's arrest, the result can only benefit Russia. Her fragile market economy cannot prevail while distorted by the actions of a small group of corrupt individuals whose only motivation is self enrichment. The best judge of Putin's actions is not the heavily biased Western media but rather the Russian people. Their verdict is clear. The irony is that Mr Khodorkovsky and other tycoons were instrumental in establishing the system in Russia when courts and police are unjust and corrupt. Many of them used it to their advantage. This is just another example of what was and is happening in Russian courts with thousands of people for more than 10 years. So are human rights suddenly at risk only if one has powerful friends in the West? I sympathise with Mr Khodorkovsky but doesn't he have himself to blame as well? If only Russia were putting its house in order. Simply put the oligarchs were tolerated as long as they stayed out of politics. They didn't so the administration came down on them. It's all in the timing.
Ian, Austin, Texas, USA Well, I don't think Russia would have been much more democratic if Mr. Khodorkovsky had not been arrested. It is just one of those "palace scandals", which attracted so much media attention because of Yukos leader's money. I believe there are more significant issues that have to be so extensively debated as child deaths, lack of social benefits for elderly and low income. When it comes to breaking up the oligarchy, Putin finds himself in a classic "damned if you do it, damned if you don't" fix. Whether he lets the tycoons run loose or throws them in jail, the Western media will blame him and Russia for being "medieval," just because that is their perception anyway. Do we think of Teddy Roosevelt as a tyrant? The only way for Putin to avoid this quandry would have been to push through with the investigation without making the arrest. Not doing so reveals that he saw himself vulnerable to Khodorkovsky and his friends inside the Kremlin. Mikhail Khodorkovsky is nothing but a looter of the Russian people. He deserves to be imprisoned. However, the elites of the West don't agree with this, so they criticize Putin for taking action in the interest of the Russian people. Senior executives are arrested in the USA, and the world applauds the crackdown on fraud - helping to ensure a safe environment for investors. Senior executives are arrested in Russia, and the world screams the communists are coming! Of course it's political - just like the trial of small time investor (but big time US public figure) Martha Stewart. A few tens of thousand doesn't quite match the scale of Enron etc. It seems unlikely that any of these oligarchs gained their huge wealth so rapidly without questionable deals. If the Russian government wishes to make an example or two, how come that's an issue. I would have thought it would reassure investors that criminal activities will not be tolerated.
P. Vandenberghe,Ghent, Flanders (Belgium) If you steal a thousand dollars - you are thief and you place is in jail, but if you steal a billion, then you are called a businessman and presidents and ministers line up to shake your hand. The constitution law clearly stated that all USSR (Russia) state property was in fact property of the people of USSR (Russia). After "privatization", by some magic most of that property ended up in pockets of Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and such. In civilized countries such magic has many names: fraud, theft, embezzlement and so on. All punishable by law, if I'm not mistaken. Russia as any country has right to prosecute its criminals; as well as to make deals with them. Apparently Khodorkovsky broke his "parole conditions" not to get involved in politics and not to sell Russian strategic assets abroad. I hope he get his sentence. The last fifteen years proved that Russia can only be ruled with an iron fist. I do hope Russia is turning its back on democracy - it's never worked in all the history of the country!
Jon, San Francisco, US I do support the arrest of these oligarchs and thieves. They have been instruments for a certain Middle East action. What's suspect here is the timing. There is no question it seems that this man was corrupt and enriched himself wrongly. Perhaps what Russia needs to do is apply their laws evenly and fully and arrest all the oligarchs. Personally, like many others, I am encouraged to see at least one country protecting the public interest over business interests. It's amazing to see the majority of people actually supported the arrest. It seems like only the western media is worried about it. But I believe, the ever pragmatic Putin wouldn't mind doing a u-turn if it gets out of hand and really affects the Russian economy.
Mirek Kondracki, Alexandria, US At least in Russia one is seeing focus and activity on bringing those that have abused trust in the corporate world to justice and should remind the rest of the world that scandals like Enron, etc, etc, etc should be addressed immediately.
Sergey Zolotarev, Moscow, Russia Emerging? Russia has never been a democracy and probably never will be. Unfortunately, the majority of Russian people have no concept of real democracy and that's why they are applauding the arrest of a person, who not only hasn't been found guilty by a truly independent court, but hasn't been even formally charged with any crime. Khodorovsky (and Gusinsky before him) is guilty of one crime only. He has had audacity to criticize president Putin and his KGB clique and condemn his atrocities in Chechnya. Those oligarchs who support Putin and pay bribes to officials of his regime are alive and well. Totalitarianism is not emerging in Russia. Finally the laws are going to apply to all citizens regardless of how much money they have in their bank accounts. No one seems to care that Khodorkovsky is actually guilty of all of these crimes and probably many others we have not heard about. This man is nothing more then a criminal and a thief who defrauded the Russian people of billions of dollars. How can democratic and open society be based on theft and mass fraud? Russia cannot become a democracy until all of the oligarchs are sitting in jail. That is why 99% of the people in Russia are fully supportive of the president. It's a shame that the people who run the BBC and much of the media in the west are only interested in helping special interest groups rather then unbiased news coverage.
Andrei Pavlinsky, Denver, US (formerly from USSR) It seems that Putin wants to prevent Russia becoming a "corporate Russia" where big money will corrupt the system like it did in America, where democracy has been hijacked. Our president repeatedly tells us he's just enforcing the law. It's not hard to assume Mr. Khodorkovsky and other oligarchs have actually violated the law. But the Russian government has tolerated oligarchs for many years, which makes them equally guilty. This blackmail thing is the point many people miss. Selective law enforcement is not simply unfair, it's a crime, probably more serious than those of oligarchs. So Mr Putin's position is absolutely not pure even from the legal point of view. There has to be a higher authority than financial power, otherwise you end up with US "democracy", where big money rules the country and the vote of the individual becomes irrelevant. You cannot allow rich people to have unlimited political influence and decide the future of a country. True democracies keep the influence of the extremely rich in check. Perhaps. I wouldn't panic just yet. However, I think it will be interesting to see how the E.U. plays this. After all, any hopes of building an EU global military capability will have to mean closer ties with Russia. This may very well be the first no-win diplomatic situation the EU faces: react too strongly and alienate the Russians; react too mildly and you're seen as backing autocratic rule. Welcome to the wonderful world of being a superpower.
Sergei Romanov, Moscow, Russia President Putin is acting in good time to stem the tide of western decadence masquerading as "democracy and free enterprise" The Russian people have already felt the pain of having forsaken the devil they knew, for the devil they don't. Why - because a rich man has been jailed? I wish that it would happen in the US. Putin is brave to go against the corporate thief. After three years of Chechnya and Putin, only the totally blind can ask these questions.
Hughes, Paris, France If not giving a free rein to people who made the most out of an unfortunate situation is autocratic than I think an autocratic Russia is emerging. It is sad to see a "cry of pain" in media when rich people are served common man justice. Russia will never return to being autocratic. It is a real democracy and loves capitalism. On my most recent visit to St Petersburg the Russian people on the street loved me as an American and told me the Russians are becoming like me. Khodorkovsky is corrupt and a loser.
Antanas Petraitis, Vilnius, Lithuania Autocratic or not, I feel action such as this is no worse than the outright purchase of our government here in the US by the corporations - especially the current administration. For the time being it is an internal problem but if left unchallenged it will become a threat in response to the Bush mentality. People just don't make huge fortunes in countries with a poor rule of law without a great deal shady and corrupt dealings. Not even in China which had enjoyed years of unbridled growth could produce people as wealthy as the Russian oligarchs. I find it more reprehensible that Berlusconi, the richest man in Italy, has used his wealth and political influence to pervert the course of justice. Russia should be admired for finally putting its own house in order.
| | THE BATTLE OVER YUKOS KEY NEWS STORIES  BACKGROUND THE OLIGARCHS  Profile: Mikhail Khodorkovsky Russia's richest man has fallen foul of the Kremlin and politics.  Russia's oligarchs ANALYSIS   SEE ALSO: RELATED INTERNET LINKS: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This is a fight between power factions, not an attempt to rein in shady businessmen 