The Russian Ministry of Justice has accepted the decision of the European Court of Human Rights that Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s and Platon Lebedev’s fundamental rights were violated during their trial and continuing imprisonment in the mid 2000s.

The ECtHR ruled on July 25, 2013 that Khodorkovsky’s and Lebedev’s application concerning their first trial was valid and awarded them 10,000 euros (£8,350) in damages. This decision of the ECtHR may serve as a basis for the cancellation of their current sentences.

Both parties had three months to appeal the decision by requesting the transfer of the case to the Grand Chamber of the European Court. Russia did not appeal the ruling. The Russian Ministry of Justice’s press service stated yesterday that “the Russian authorities did not apply for the transfer of the case to the Grand Chamber” and confirmed that the funds will be paid within three months.

Khodorkovsky’s lawyer Vadim Klyuvgant discussed the development in an interview with Russian radio station Kommersant FM:

“The ECtHR decision has become final and entered into force almost two weeks ago, on October 25. It is unclear why the news was announced only today.

He further explained that the development might have a bearing on Khodorkovsky and Lebedev’s current incarceration.

“According to Russian law, the decision of the ECtHR, which found very serious violations of the right to a fair trial, is a new development in the case; it is a basis for cancellation of the sentence.”

Read the full interview with Vadim Klyuvgant HERE.