Graham Watson - Liberal Democrat MEP for South-West England and Gibraltar

Khodorkovsky sentence a slap in the face for the Rule of Law

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 31st May 2005

Reacting today to the news of the conclusion of the sentencing in the trial of former Yukos boss, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Graham Watson, the Liberal Democrat Group leader in the European Parliament insisted that "he was singled out by Vladimir Putin because he helped to finance Russia's Liberal Party, Yabloko. His sentence today to nine years in prison after a show-trial is further proof that Russia rejects liberal and democratic values. This must have consequences for the EU's relations with Russia which is increasingly distancing itself from mainstream Europe and fundamental values based on the Rule of Law."

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Previous news story: ECJ ruling on animal-tested cosmetics is a victory, says South West & Gibraltar MEP (Wed 25th May 2005).
Next news story: Graham Watson proposes a "Super Poll" for EU-wide referendum after a pause for reflection (Fri 3rd Jun 2005).

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No new partnership and cooperation agreement with Russia until the rule of law is respected.

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