Posted on 10/07/2014 2:24:46 AM PDT by elhombrelibre
The man who spent 10 years in prison for crossing Putin says the Russian regime will fall, one way or the other, and those who want a democracy to replace it need to get organized now.
In December 2013, when Vladimir Putin released Mikhail Khodorkovsky from prison after 10 years, the former oil tycoon and political prisoner said he would not enter politics....
“When I left prison, I announced that I am not interested in engaging in politics. I never promised anyone I wouldn’t engage in it and I continue to be not interested in engaging in it,” Khodorkovsky told The Daily Beast in an interview in Washington. “At the same time, I feel it imperative to attempt to influence the power. I feel it imperative that that section of the population that is Europe-centered would have the opportunity to impact the way the country develops.”
Khodorkovsky has resurrected his foundation, Open Russia, which was established in 2001 by shareholders of Yukos, his former company. It was shuttered in 2006, though, when Putin’s government seized its assets following Khodorkovsky’s conviction in two corruption cases, widely considered to have been politically motivated. The group’s mission is to build a civil society and political infrastructure among pro-European Russians to influence the post-Putin political system.
The website says the group will build projects to support independent media, political education, and advocate on behalf of political prisoners inside Russia. But Khodorkovsky said the goal was to make sure that when the regime falls, especially if it’s bloody or chaotic, that those who support Western values like democracy, a free press, the separation of powers, the rule of law, and human rights will come out on top.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedailybeast.com ...
Either they will get a more free Russia or they will take dirt naps or more prison time.
I have heard rumors that exile to Siberia is making a come back.
Wow, what a bold prediction. Everyone knows he's got to die someday.
Thanks elhombrelibre.
The sooner the better.
Parliamentary democracy may be a bridge too far for the Russians. They have not have it except for a two short periods in a 1000 year history.
Sounds like an invitation for Putin to take even more military adventures in order to rally the public behind him.
Has he not heard of polonium 210? Vlad has.
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