Buzek: Khodorkovsky Was Jailed Because He Presented a ‘Threat’ to the Established Order
Speaking in a taped interview as part of the Decade of Injustice video series, Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament (Poland) and former president of the European Parliament (2009-2012), discusses the upcoming tenth anniversary of the arrest of Russian political prisoner Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Buzek said that he is “increasingly disturbed” by the growing repression of human rights activists and opposition members in today’s Russia, and emphasized that the European Union “must never compromise” on its values in relations with Russia.
“We have a duty to speak out for those Russians who share our values,” he said. “We should always stand shoulder to shoulder with supporters of those democratic principles and human rights defenders in Russia.”
Buzek described the trials and imprisonment of Khodorkovksy, which began ten years ago on October 25, as “one of the most symbolic examples” of Russia’s violations of human rights.
“His suffering reflects the lack of independence of the Russian judicial system,” Buzek said. “He was jailed simply because he presented a threat to the established order.”
Addressing Khodorkovsky directly during the interview, Buzek said: “Mikhail Khodorkovsky, dear friend, you are a man of courage; a man of determination. Through your resistance you have become an icon to all those in Russia fighting for a better future. I join with many parliamentarians in this house in expressing my solidarity with you and my deep concern for your welfare. (…) I hope that next year, when you are due to be released, you will come to the European Parliament. We want to meet you and hear your views on Russia’s future, and have a chance to thank you for your battle and testimony.”
