I know this matter is from a while back, but I'd like to know more. Who is Mikhail Khodorkovsky and what did he do to get himself thrown in jail? And why is America and Canada freaking out about it? And why do people keep saying Khodorkovsky should be pardoned? Because some people say he should not. Sorry if I seem naive about the way Russia works, I've never lived there, though I am Russian.
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-He was the richest man in Russia. -When the USSR fell, he, along with a group of other individuals became rich by being in the right place at the right time (along with a certain degree of smarts of course) -He became rich by acquiring natural resources and industries which had previously been public entities. -During this era (the 90s) these super rich people (called oligarchs) were despised by the common man. They were believed to have acquired their wealth in immoral manners. -During the reign of Yeltsin, these oligarchs had immense influence on the country creating a kleptocracy (steal from the state) system of gov. in which they weilded immense influence in business as well as politics. -Putin came to power and began to replace these individuals as the leading power in the country. -Khodorkovsky, became involved in politics and began to criticize the president. -he was then arrested -While although he is guilty of many financial crimes (as are most Russian businessmen) he was singled out for political reasons (think of Martha Stuart X1000 a scape goat who is also guilty) -because of this, he is considered a political prisoner for a more detailed breakdown check wikipedia
