A decade after his arrest and imprisonment on politically-motivated charges, Russia needs Mikhail Khodorkovsky's vision more than ever, according to EPP Group Members Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, and Laima Andrikiene MEP.

"Russia can only create a prosperous, safe and stable society with opportunity for all if it respects the rule of law. Mikhail Khodorkovsky has become a stark reminder for a system that threatens those who speak out, and a symbol for a Russia that blocks its own future", said Brok.

Lithuanian MEP Laima Andrikiene added: "Khodorkovsky was imprisoned for daring to have a vision of a different Russia. Sadly, his country's leaders see the rule of law and human rights as threats to their rule, rather than building blocks of a democratic state."

Andrikiene, who attended Khodorkovsky's second trial in Moscow, said the case remains a defining moment in the EU-Russia relationship. "During his trial, Khodorkovsky was put in a cage, like an animal. Nothing could have been more indicative of the political manipulation of justice in his case. The authorities were trying to humiliate him because he represented a threat to them."

Ten years on, Ms Andrikiene said Khodorkovsky's release is long overdue, and called on the Kremlin to recognise the serious injustice his case represents.

"This year, the European Court of Human Rights said Khodorkovsky's first trial was unfair. He should be released immediately so that he can be reunited with his family”, Andrikiene concluded.

For further information:

Elmar BROK MEP, tel.: +33-3-881-75325

Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ MEP, tel.: +33-3-881-75858

Lasse Boehm, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, tel.: +32-484-656897

Giedrė Uzdilaitė, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, tel.: +32-474-942022

Note to Editors:

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 275 Members from 27 Member States.