We discussed Yukos affair with Boris Berezovsky, Russian tycoon and Sergey Markov, Russian political analyst in our global phone in programme Talking Point.
The arrest and subsequent resignation of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, boss of the Russia's largest oil company, Yukos, has raised questions about the future of free enterprise and democracy in Russia.
It has highlighted the tensions between the big businessmen, the so-called oligarchs, and the Kremlin.
Critics see the arrest of Mr Khodorkovsky, on a charges of fraud and tax evasion, as an attempt by the Kremlin to strike back at the tycoon for funding opposition parties ahead of next month's parliamentary elections.
Vladimir Putin has responded to the controversy surrounding the arrest by saying he will pursue all criminals - whoever they are.
Speaking on Thursday after a summit with European Union leaders in Rome he said his aim was to establish order in his country.
Is a new autocratic Russia emerging ? If so, does this have consequences for the rest of the world? Or is this just an internal problem for Russia?
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
 |  This is a fight between power factions, not an attempt to rein in shady businessmen  |
For those who insist Putin is just doing his job and enforcing Russia's laws against allegedly corrupt businessmen, ask yourselves: why Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and Gusinsky? Why not Abramovich or Potanin? And why just corrupt businessmen? Why not also turn on the KGB men who persecuted, tortured and murdered their fellow citizens in the past? Why not prosecute current FSB officers who continue to intimidate, extort and coerce Russians? This is why: this is a fight between power factions, not an attempt to rein in shady businessmen. If Khodorkovsky had fallen in line with Putin's political ideals and supported his faction, he would still be a free man and running Yukos pretty much however he saw fit.
VVP, Helsinki
The precedent of Mr. Khodorkovski arrest represents a case when justice goes apart from country's interests.
Andrey , Novosibirsk, Russia
If the people of Russia do not want their strategic resources to be sold out to foreigners by private businessmen, then who are we to comment on this, except commending them for allowing their president to do the right thing.
Hassan Mohamed, Maldives
Whether Putin becomes a semi-dictator or not is pretty irrelevant for anyone outside Russia. Thanks to the arms race with the Soviet Union, America has bankrupted Russia ten times over so Putin probably couldn't even threaten the EU never mind American itself
David Russell, Glasgow, UK
I certainly hope that Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and the rest of the oligarchs appreciate that today's date is 2003 and not 1933 when all of them would be sent to Siberia.
Michael Wagner, Kyiv, Ukraine
It is very suspect to me that one day after Mr. Khodorkovsky's arrest President Putin confiscated all his stock in Yukos. In a democratic system, the verdicts fall after due judicial procedure. Putin's activity indicates that Khodorkovsky's arrest was politically and not judicially motivated.
Ahmad Zaafarani, Kehl, Germany
Ever since Yeltsin's bombing of the Russian parliament in 1993, it was apparent that establishing democracy and the rule of law was an uphill battle in post-Soviet Russia. Putin's arbitrary arrest of Khodorkovsky is another sign that Russia is far from the rule of law. Countless others doing business are just as corrupt. In fact, the company Khodorkovsky headed, Yukos. is one of the most transparently run Russian companies. His support for political opposition is what got him in trouble, not his other numerous foibles. Undoubtedly, Putin has observed the success of an autocratic, superficially stable China in attracting foreign investment (even WTO membership). Putin, while the West is distracted by the war on terrorism, under the cover of security concerns is consolidating his police power over Russians who deserve so much more.
Anders, San Francisco, USA
Perhaps Putin wants to prevent a Russian version of what his perception of American 'democracy' is/could be - where the political system and media are under the control of and currently (indirectly) run by large Corporations
Shantanu Gadkari,Sunnyvale, CA USA
Is a new autocratic Russia emerging? What's wrong with the idea? If super powers want to shove the democracy in the throats of the poor countries, this is but a well wished thought. Go for it Russian politicians, I am with you. Do it now or some one crazy will want this done later.
Firozali A. Mulla ,Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
Given the widespread belief that a lot of Russia's post-communist tycoons have obtained their wealth via Mafia-style corruption, I can't see how a few arrests call Russia's democracy into question. Quite the contrary: it shows they are finally getting to grips with the consequences of Boris Yeltsin's alcohol-fed power-vacuum.
David Hazel,Fareham, UK
| The case already proved to be a new lucrative option for the corrupted officials and a headache for businessmen |
What I'd like to mention is that in Russia less senior officials tend to repeat their bosses' actions at a lower level. The day after the attorney general seized Yukos shares, local attorneys all over the country started accepting requests for bribes for the revision of the privatization at the local level. Now the local authorities are waiting. The actual process of redistributing of property at local level will start the day after Yukos, in some way, changes its owner. So the case already proved to be a new lucrative option for the corrupted officials and a headache for businessmen.
KK,Moscow, Russia The issue isn't whether he's right to arrest Khodorkovsky, it's why he's only done it when he started showing opposition.
Robin,London
Khodorkovsky is no more corrupt than any businessman or state official in Russia, but he is being punished for daring to have his own vision for the future of Russia, different from that of Putin and his cronies. And now we have it: first Putin tamed the press, than the regional elites, then the parliament and the civil society, and now the big business. That's a Chechen scenario for the entire Russia. Next year, he will be standing alone at the presidential elections, and the West will applaud the new stability. Mohammed Mahatir is gone, hail the new Mohammed Mahatir!
Sergei Medvedev, Moscow, Russia
Russia sounds wonderful. If only we'd arrest our rich corporate crooks instead of letting them buy even more of the media.
Matt,Exeter, UK
Why is it in any way inappropriate for Russian prosecutors to pursue the matter? In fact, when Mr Khodorkovsky and Yukos sought to acquire a controlling share in the Norwegian company KV�RNER, the Norwegian intelligence community felt compel to warn the Norwegian government about the shady nature of these "free enterprise" players. That would not have been the case if Mr Khodorkovsky and Yukos was a shining example of free enterprise. Of course Mr Putin has his own (questionable) motives for cracking down on the competition! But that is by no means the only issue here.
Olav Grinde,Norway
| Putin just does what they want to see to keep his rating high |
Russian people are not ready to think in democratic way yet. They just want to strip rich people of their money, not matter in what way! And Putin just does what they want to see to keep his rating high.
Nickolai, Moscow, Russia A modest middle class communist transformed into a multibillionaire in less than a decade does not deserve an absolute extrajudicial declaration of innocence. The arrest of one person in Russia cannot signal a calamitous return to autocracy and tight state controlled economy as its being branded about.
Samuel,Paris,France
I believe that Putin is 100% correct. How these oligarchs have become so rich in such a short amount of time smells a bit iffy, to say the least. If they have acted illegally and/or are dodging taxes then they should be brought to book. At least Putin is showing that the political system in Russia cannot be bought by big business, something the US could learn from.
Toby,Spain
We cannot expect Russia to just become democratic. It must be understood that Russia was not even claimed to be a democracy until 1991 and before this their people have had to endure centuries of autocratic rule. Thus some autocratic measures will undoubtedly surface, but as long as the world keeps checks on Russia's development then it has a good chance of remaining democratic.
Simon,England
Just a linguistic hint: in regard to a very autocratic decision of the Council for Electronic Media in Bulgaria, the e-forums in Bulgarian newspapers invented a new term - "putinisation" of the state, meaning autocratic interests and suppression of democratic will.
Martin Ossikovski, Sofia, Bulgaria
I lived in the USSR and now live in modern Russia. The life has changed drastically for the past few years. We find the nowadays life more 'normal', I like it and the way it is progressing in Russia. I will probably be right if I say that I express opinions of the overwhelming majority of people I know. Putin strives to bring law and order about. He might be doing things not ideally; he is surrounded by a mass of law violators dominant and powerful enough to bring a whole country down. I believe the intentions of the Russian President are as good as ever, but he needs our help, support, guidance, protection. And yes, it is us, the commoners, who should stand by and not let anybody slip down the path of autocracy or anything like that. Go ahead Mr. Putin, we are standing by to give you a hand (as long as you are doing things right).
Roman, Novorossiysk, Russia
Many claim that Khodarkovski stole his money as if it was a fact, this is not the case. He bought the company cheap, but then the stock market did the rest. So in a way he is no different than Bill Gates, except that he supports opposition in Russian and not in a western country.
Leo, Middle East
If Khodorkovsky has been evading taxes as a Russian citizen, I see nothing wrong on him being arrested. Nobody is above the law and so is Mr.Khodorkovsky. No matter what time he was arrested if it was the right time to arrest him does not raise fears in any way of autocratic Russia emerging.
Alie Bangura, New Jersey
In the USA it is said that no man, including the President, is above the law. Sadly, here, as in Russia and many other countries, money is used by the rich to break or usurp the laws all of the time. In this country, there is a push to make the laws concerning embezzlement, bribery, fraud, and tax evasion much harsher. I doubt they will pass however. The rich establishment will make sure of that.
Scott,Utah, USA
| The West has different standards of democracy for domestic use and for the other countries |
Has situation with Enron in US raised questions about the future of American democracy? When Bernard Tapi was arrested in France none complained about that as well. The West has different standards of democracy for domestic use and for the other countries.
Anton, Moscow, Russia To Vladislav, Moscow, Russia who state that "99% of the people in Russia are fully supportive of the president": speaking about myself, I am definitely in the remaining percent. IMHO, a more realistic score is 80-20. That is the usual ratio that divides more productive people from less productive in almost every society. The essence of communism was not about the state versus people but of those 80% against 20%. And this 80% will happily embrace any system, no matter how autocratic, that provides "vodka and pickles" plus some other basics supporting their reproduction instincts.
SK, Russia, Tambov
Mr. Putin is anything but stupid and/or shallow. It's not his style to use a hammer where a touch would suffice. He surely knew there would be a reaction to this move. So, he's taking this gamble for more than short-term political reasons, I'm sure. There's absolutely no evidence that this is an attack on the market economy per se.
Harley, Ulsan, Korea
Former KGB man arrested former communist! What next?
Mati, FL
| What Putin is trying to do is to strip filthy money of their political value, and I'm supportive of that |
What Putin is trying to do is to strip filthy money of their political value, and I'm supportive of that. This case has nothing to do with Putin's autocracy. On the contrary, if a reach man is now standing before the Court, it's a good sign for democracy in Russia. Democracy without rule of law is chaos. Though there's still a need for a political will of the President to make a reach man to stand before the Court. It means that Russia still doesn't have a strong judicial system, independent of any political will.
Marat Afzalov, Russia I don't think a new kind of autocracy is taking shape. I don't think that pursuing Mr. Khodorkovsky is the objective, it's more what he stands for. Since the fall of Soviet Union the wealth has been in the hands of few. Very few. St. Petersburg and Moscow are extremely beautiful cities. And they're quite wealthy. But take a look at the countryside. Many people live in poor conditions. Every winter there's lots of people freezing in their homes because the state cannot supply electricity and maintain the heating. Every year truckloads of second-hand clothes and toys etc. leave my country to help the little ones in Russia. Therefore, if there's tax evasion it is a disgrace for the whole nation. Because it indicates that there are people who don't care about children, elderly people, schools, healthcare etc. And that's a bad thing for the generations to come.
Tommi Berts,Helsinki, Finland
Anna, Russia: Wanting Khodorkovsky's money to work for you or to somehow benefit you is telling that you still hold tight to socialist ideas. In a democracy, everyone has the freedom and opportunity to make his own fortune. However, they are not obligated to share that wealth with the entire country. People must make their own living and their own fortune. That being said, if Mr. K did something financially wrong or illegal in his business dealings, then he should be heavily fined. Then, that money should go to benefit everyone. Perhaps Mr. K's punishment should be that he builds housing for the poor people?
Thomas, USA
I think the Russian government is having a hard time accepting democracy. With money comes power and influence. Khodorkovsky has money and therefore has influence and power. The Western world views this as commonplace. The Russians need to calm down and realize that it is still one person, one vote and that's how democracy works.
Annette, Chagrin Falls, OH USA I own a small business in Moscow, I work with Western companies (so my business directly depends upon my freedom), and I always vote for democrats. So do I support this particular Putin's action? Absolutely. I must admit that before Abramovich bought Chelsea, I had some illusions that stolen money might start working for the country. Then I realized that that was not gong to be the case -- thieves would remain thieves and will continue to rob this country until stopped. It's a shame it took so long for me and other people to realize that.
Vasily, Moscow, Russia
In a bigger picture, this is just part of Putin undoing what Yeltsin brought to Russia. Victim, yes. Innocent, probably no.
Sean, USA
No. Putin is simply trying to lay down the law. If he does not do so, the wealthy criminals and corporate crooks will be running the Russian government. Putin has to start somewhere. Khodorkovsky is described as "Ken Lay(Enron CEO) with a machine gun". Many Americans wish Bush would go after corporate criminals in the U.S. But he doesn't. Go Putin!
Chris b, Palo Alto, Ca
Putin made a good move. He can't allow a political system under the influence of the oligarchs. As long they where using their "stolen" fortune in business investments or lavish life style it was almost ok. But now they crossed the red line and got only their fingers burned, so far.
Remi, New York
To: Mikhail Kononov, St Petersburg, Russia. Very well put, sir. I agree with you whole heartedly. The western media should mind their own business and stick to the facts. Russia is in fine hands and if the law has been broken, let those who break it pay.
Allen Baltzer, Canada
Putin's actions will not have major consequences for the world as long as he does not have money to rearm the Russian Army and restore it to its previous splendour.
Kim Sun Poh, Manassas, Va, USA
First Dzierzhinsky, then Yezhov, then Beria, then Andropov, now Putin. What a great line of Russian leaders have Moscow's security services produced!
Sara O'Neill, Rockville, MD, U.S.
Yes, no, who cares? What people should realize is that people as rich as Mr Khordorkovsky are never arrested in the West. Whatever their crime!
Yiorgos, Athens, Greece
I'm kind of suspicious that Putin arrested Khodorkovsky who supported his political rivals, but left alone other very rich individuals who don't interfere with Russian politics.
Boris Dynin, Sunnyvale USA
| Absolutely nobody is above the law |
Absolutely nobody is above the law.
Chris Fletcher The oligarchs bought companies when they were cheap. Is buying stealing? And does it mean that in a democratic country there can be no billionaires because the wealth is supposed to be with the poorer citizens?
Derek, Malaysia
One moment, please. It seems you don't understand some subtle things. For example - only viable & strong enough opposition to Putin' influence in Parliament is the Communist Party of Russia. Then, please, answer some questions yourself from your heart. Do you realize that Khodorkovsky supported Communists? Do you know the programme of the Communist Party of Russia? Would you like to support them as well as Khodorkovsky? If you think - I'm wrong - just check how many Yukos` men are running for the Communist Party of Russia.
Alex Bash, Moscow, Russia
I agree with someone who said don't jail him, let him keep making the obscene profits but just make sure most of these profits go back to the people of Russia by a taxation scheme that taxes them to the hilt. It is unbelievable and totally bizarre to see these millionaires/billionaires showing up in a country that has been downtrodden for so long.
B. Joaner, Canada
These Russian oligarchs are not different from the so-called elites in Nigeria who have shared the country's wealth among themselves and their families and friends. I support 100% Putin's probe pursuit as long as it does not violate one's human rights and it corresponds with the country's laws.
Bunmi Akinmboni, Lagos, Nigeria.
Russia is a country which is born to be autocratic. Democracy still isn't prevailing there. We have seen the barbaric acts of its army in Chechnya and how it is still influencing the Central Asian states. However, I don't think the arrest of this tycoon has anything to do with Russia being democratic or not. In fact, it can be seen as a positive step because it can be seen as the start of a political tussle in Russia which indeed seems to be a positive sign for Russian democracy.
Muhammad Khalid Qureshi, Karachi, Pakistan The comparison between the market situation in Russia today and the beginning of market economics in America is not exact but it is worth considering that somehow the market in Russia must be cleaned of corruption and the public reassured of its validity through the execution of the law. However, Putin has kept his KGB style and is cracking the whip without considering other options that would bolster instead of evaporate investor confidence. President Bush could learn an equal lesson and crack the whip on the executives of Enron and other carnivorous companies.
Josh Cole,Arcata, California/United States
I would say that. I'm sure that Khodorkovsky is being held under brutal conditions and without due process.
Jeff, USA
Jeff, USA: So I guess its good to know that the detainees in Guantanamo bay live in luxury, have constant access to legal aid and their own families while enjoying tea and biscuits while chatting to those who "debrief" them....
Trevor Batten, Amsterdam
Accusing someone for corruption in Russia is like handing out speeding tickets in the Daytona 500 Speedway!
Bryan, USA
The west has this leftover Cold War mentality and fear of Russia which is reflected in the media's over-reaction and bias in its reporting of all things Russian. Russia's opposition to the War in Iraq is merely seen as a concern for its financial interest in Iraq, while the US interest in Iraq's oil is heavily downplayed. With the so-called Putin/Bush friendship, Putin is seen as having the ulterior motives, but not Bush. But no one here reports on the reforms taking place in Russia, and the countless pieces of legislation Putin has put into effect, neither the growth in the economy.
Sang, Canada
I am confident that "free enterprise" will survive and continue to develop in Russia, Ukraine and the other countries of the former Soviet Union. There is really no other realistic alternative at this time. That is not to say, however, that the billionaire-oligarchs who now dominate the economies of Russia and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union should be allowed to keep their ill-gotten wealth or permitted to extend their greedy reach in order to obtain total control of the mass media and governments.
Michael J. Berezowsky, Troy, Michigan, USA Jailing someone in Russia for corruption is like handing out speeding tickets in the Datona 500 Speedway!
Bryan, USA
My wife is from a former Soviet nation and is also a big fan of Putin. She is one who believes that certain cultures sometimes need authoritarian action to bring about order. I've heard what she has to say about this situation, and read what the western media says about it as well. I have mixed opinions on the subject. Sure, he's guilty of some things, but he's primarily being targeted for his political activity, not his financial crimes.
Jason, USA
I was living in Russia during Mr Yeltsin's tenure and I saw the plundering of the state by a number of Russian so-called oligarchs. It all happened when the country was turning itself into a market economy. I remember that the process won high praise from all western countries and no one seemed to care about the looting, as long as they could sell their products in the Russian market.
I believe Mr Putin is just attempting to create a working market economy, which could also benefit the regular Russian citizen. Governing Russia is certainly not an easy task. Although there are excesses in what is happening now, the West could just look back 100 years and remember what their process of consolidation of market economies was like. Today's Russian experience would look quite civilised indeed.
Marcelo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
People in Russia just envy tycoons for their money and thus support any action against them. Suddenly, nobody in Russia thinks about the law. I think that anybody should worry about the way prosecutors handle this case, but not the case itself. As you can see they broke the law several times in that case only. As a Russian citizen I can state that the law still does not work in Russia. So, no guarantee on investments yet, unfortunately.
Pavel Merdine, Kaluga, Russia Having lived in the former Soviet Union I see this action as a threat against true democracy. Putin is trying to lure more Western business but he can't be trusted to accomplish true reforms.
Dave Martin, Sumbawa, Indonesia
It is a shame for Russia to jail this man. They could have used other options such as fines or let's say nationalize some 25-30% of the shares to help the budget....but give a man another chance... let them do the business!
Tony, Tashkent
Putin is right because monopoly is not natural and everything should be in the favour of proletariat.
Madhusudan Rimal, Kathmandu, Nepal
The arrest of a capitalist for fraud and tax evasion, if such charges are true, will boost, rather than hinder, the democratic process. As an American citizen, I worry more about the threat to democracy on US soil in the form of the "Patriot" Act.
Klee Tenn, Bethlehem, PA
President Putin is relentlessly being accused, by the world media, of "authoritarian tendencies". That, of course should be changed to "authoritative tendencies". The world media should know that there is a difference. When he came to power in 2000, he vowed to instil the "dictatorship of the Law", and it looks like he's kept his word. Cleaning up is never easy, and I hope Putin does put order into a country that has been brought to the brink of oblivion by these oligarchs.
Alexander Kallaur, Montreal, Canada The US had to reign in its own oligarchs in the early 19th century when their excessive wealth and unethical business practices were doing harm to the citizenry. Hopefully once the dust settles in Russia some of the wealth will be in the hands of ordinary Russians.
Miguel,San Diego, USA
Vladimir Putin is the man who can establish order in Russia, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky and others similar to him are obstacles in Putin's way to creating wealth and luxury for our country!
Ivan Roskolov,Saint-Petersburg. Russia
Russia is certainly more autocratic, but with fewer oligarchs expect less capital flight and higher economic growth.
Vlad, Russia
Russia is a "maturing democracy" and, while not necessarily agreeing with the latest action against the wealth generators, one can hardly be surprised. Things will settle down and Russia's inexorable ascent to economic and political plurality will continue. This is just a blip ... we'd do well to keep the matter in perspective.
Mark M. Newdick, Danbury, CT, USA No, Russia is just fine. Khodorkovsky and many others took advantage of soviet fall and bought many companies for cheaper than cheap. Russian people don't have love affair with Khodorkovsky. That is not to say Putin's government is doing the right thing.
Ehsan, Austin
I work in Moscow and have a connection to one of the oligarchs. The oligarchs made their money in ways which would not have been allowed in other countries - but they did this with the support of the previous administration - this applies to all of them. I believe the Khodorkovsky case is worrying - it is not a case of catching a bad guy - more likely it's a case of re-distributing the goodies.
Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and Gusinsky used their own media outlets or other media channels to question the current administration. "My oligarch" has sworn to be quiet and be loyal - and to share out some of his gains - the latter point being critical.
All those who say Khodorkovsky is no angel are correct but lets wait to see what happens to Yukos. Will the Russian poor benefit from this or are the St Petersburg clan and the FSB just looking for their piece of a thriving business? If the seizure of Yukos results in a rise in pensions paid from oil proceeds or the selling of shares I will be truly amazed.
S R, Moscow, Russia
Let us wait for the trial. Our oligarchs openly said that it was impossible to make business legally in Russia in 90s (as though it could justify them) and all the great fortunes were made on the account of the state budget. It is impossible to punish them all, so Mr. Putin has begun with one whom he did not like. Why not? As for the investments, nobody say of democracy in China, they just invest money there because there are no such men as Mr. Khodorkovsky. Mr. Putin may be not a great democrat but he was elected, at least. Why does Mr. Khodorkovsky defy his power?
Mikhail Kononov, St.Petersburg, Russia These people that took over the Soviet government companies are nothing but opportunistic thieves. You should not consider them anything else when determining whether Putin should or should not prosecute them.
Boyd W. Venable, III,Sevierville, TN USA
What Putin did was absolutely right. That oil should be in the hands of the proletariat.
Martin, EU citizen
If Mr Khodorkovsky has indeed broken the law then the investigation should show it. If he hasn't then he should be exonerated. The fact that such a big fuss is being made of it probably shows other firms are afraid due to their own dealings. Shouldn't we support application of the law? I think we should just let the law follow its course. And, as long as the investigation into the dealings of Mr Khodorkovsky take place, kudos to Mr Putin for resisting such pressure.
Kpdodo, Mauritius
Putin is just trying to prevent Russia from being plundered once more by the West and its financial institutions. And I am sure the government has a case since every oligarch is by definition a criminal. I hope they all get arrested.
KTS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| I just want our people to benefit somehow from the struggle of two main centres of power - oligarchs and president |
I just want our people to benefit somehow from the struggle of two main centres of power - oligarchs and president. I want Khodorkovsky's money to start working for us. I hope one day we will see people benefit as a by-product of the main parties struggle. Isn't it what democracy was invented for?
Anna, Russia I've found that the moral system of a society is more important than the political system. The moral systems in Russia and China have crumbled -- coupled with a corrupt system of "robber capitalism." Putin simply wants to reproduce the Chinese system: no political freedom coupled with market avarice.
Jack, Shanghai, China
I find it interesting that the arrest of one man, although very rich and powerful, has raised questions about danger of autocracy in Russia, while Russian regime's actions in Chechnya have not justified such a concern in the West. Why?
Merlin, Santa Clara, CA, USA
A lot of foolish people couldn't wait to invest their money in Russia. Now they are beginning to worry that they may have been rash by not waiting until this country became a true democracy with independent courts and fair well enforced laws. It's a little late to jump ship now.
Mark, USA
If it is about corruption, they did the right thing and in time it can be in the benefit of the Russian economy. But if not, Russia is looking for trouble.
Marc ,Brussels, Belgium
| This affair says a lot about Putin's policy |
It's quite complex because the "new billionaire" in Russia is often (if not always) with mafia, and it would be naive to believe that Khodorkovsky was just an honest entrepreneur. But he is not alone in that but HE has been the only one arrested, the only reason I see is because he supported opposition groups. This affair says a lot about Putin's policy.
Luc, France Luc, France - just wait, you don't go after all the criminals at once, you take them once at a time.
Anonymous
The arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky is not necessarily a movement against democracy and free enterprise in Russia. I believe it is just a political movement aimed at a businessman who could very well be rightly accused of fraud and tax evasion.
Misha Likhterov, Mongolia
Absolutely not. If a country like the US can go to war without a casus belli and dismantles its infrastructure, then the Russian authorities are in full power to bring about order in their system. The US can not be blamed for authoritarianism while invading a sovereign country without a UN approval. The arrest of the Russian tycoon sends no message of any sort but resounds the echoes of a vibrant society which is wiping out corruption.
Ahmad Masood Azraq, Sweden
However concerning on the short run, this action is definitely a step forward toward a real democracy in Russia. We should not forget that one of the major actions which secured the development of the democracy in the US was the adoption of the Anti-Trust Act in the beginning of the 20th century. Of course, oligarchs like Rockefeller considered this action as "autocratic" and "anti-democratic" because it reduced their ability as individuals to influence the political choices of a nation of millions.
Chadi BOU HABIB, Lebanon
What people are failing to mention is that this man was arrested because he funded the opposition and is about the only "oligarch" in Russia to have done so. I feel it is a politically motivated arrest and does signal a return of autocracy to Russia. It's disturbing.
Sarah, US
| The Russian government should go after ALL the oligarchs in a transparent way |
These people are criminals, much like the Robber Barons of old, in the USA. The Russian government should go after ALL the oligarchs in a transparent way and expose how they were able to acquire the country's assets for peanuts. I am afraid that there were probably many corrupt officials involved with these transactions that it would be politically difficult for the present government to be fair and transparent.
Babar Khan,Ossining, USA I think Mr. Putin still has a lot of KGB chief left in him. This move was purely political, he felt threatened so he had him removed. If this man is truly guilty then put him on trial & lets see the evidence. But I doubt that will happen, he will probably end up in a gulag somewhere. Sounds like the old Soviet system to me.
Brett, USA
The tragedy of Khodorkovsky was that he became a victim of the very system he helped to create during Yeltsin' era. He was one of the group of well-connected shady figures who came mostly from the stock of Communist Party/Communist Youth League officials. They received control of huge state assets for next-to-nothing in exchange for sharing the profits with corrupt Russian officials who engineered this criminal privatization scheme.
To be fair, Khodorkovsky really tried to break away from this corrupt relationship between business and power. He introduced transparency in Yukos' financial dealings and made the company respected international business player.
Sergey Semenov, Wheeling, USA (Originally from Russia/Ukraine/USSR)
The current action against the merged Yukos is an internal "cleaning" affair. It has certainly put on hold the speculation of any substantial foreign investment into the company. Autocratic? It may depend on the transparency of the investigations.
Robin, Southampton UK
I don't see any kind of emerging autocratic regime in Russia. I think the Oligarchs have simply stolen wealth from the Russian people and now they are being arrested one by one for robbery, like they should be.
George, United States
| The democracy in Russia works and is stable. It has some flaws, but doesn't yours have them? |
There are no good and bad sides here. The oligarchs stole billions dollars and broke plenty of laws, there is nothing wrong in prosecuting them, however since he became president Putin has been mostly consolidating power - his motives are not about justice but about power - Khodorkovsky is competitor. Still some people should try to see beyond their stereotypes. Putin does not attack the opposition and Russian media openly questions Putin's actions. The democracy in Russia works and is stable. It has some flaws, but doesn't yours have them?
Yakov, Moscow, Russia This is democratic, rather than autocratic. Western politicians are too much in the pockets of the big corporations, and people have become accustomed to it. Do we really want hugely influential oil barons, when the environment is in peril? Or arms manufacturers sponsoring the politicians most likely to start a profitable war? I don't blame Russia for not wanting to follow that path.
Jon E, France
Whatever the motives for Khodorkovsky's arrest, the result can only benefit Russia. Her fragile market economy cannot prevail while distorted by the actions of a small group of corrupt individuals whose only motivation is self enrichment. The best judge of Putin's actions is not the heavily biased Western media but rather the Russian people. Their verdict is clear.
Jason Kristiansen, Melbourne, Australia
The irony is that Mr Khodorkovsky and other tycoons were instrumental in establishing the system in Russia when courts and police are unjust and corrupt. Many of them used it to their advantage. This is just another example of what was and is happening in Russian courts with thousands of people for more than 10 years. So are human rights suddenly at risk only if one has powerful friends in the West? I sympathise with Mr Khodorkovsky but doesn't he have himself to blame as well?
Alex, London, UK
If only Russia were putting its house in order. Simply put the oligarchs were tolerated as long as they stayed out of politics. They didn't so the administration came down on them. It's all in the timing.
Paul Johnston, Manchester
| Prosecution should never be politically motivated |
A new autocratic regime would be very bad for Russia, even worse than the oligarchies that unfairly (and perhaps illegally) gained from the privatisation spree of the early 1990's after the collapse of the USSR. If any oligarch is guilty of corruption, they should be tried through a judicial process. But prosecution should never be politically motivated. Although I want all oligarchs who illegally enriched themselves through corruption, to surrender their ill-gotten gains back to the people, it would be even worse for the Russian people if the process of stripping ill-gotten wealth is even more corrupt than actions of the oligarchs.
Ian, Austin, Texas, USA Well, I don't think Russia would have been much more democratic if Mr. Khodorkovsky had not been arrested. It is just one of those "palace scandals", which attracted so much media attention because of Yukos leader's money. I believe there are more significant issues that have to be so extensively debated as child deaths, lack of social benefits for elderly and low income.
Ramil Mammadov, Baku, Azerbaijan
When it comes to breaking up the oligarchy, Putin finds himself in a classic "damned if you do it, damned if you don't" fix. Whether he lets the tycoons run loose or throws them in jail, the Western media will blame him and Russia for being "medieval," just because that is their perception anyway. Do we think of Teddy Roosevelt as a tyrant? The only way for Putin to avoid this quandry would have been to push through with the investigation without making the arrest. Not doing so reveals that he saw himself vulnerable to Khodorkovsky and his friends inside the Kremlin.
Alexi, St. Louis,US
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is nothing but a looter of the Russian people. He deserves to be imprisoned. However, the elites of the West don't agree with this, so they criticize Putin for taking action in the interest of the Russian people.
Bill,Detroit, USA
Senior executives are arrested in the USA, and the world applauds the crackdown on fraud - helping to ensure a safe environment for investors. Senior executives are arrested in Russia, and the world screams the communists are coming!
Of course it's political - just like the trial of small time investor (but big time US public figure) Martha Stewart. A few tens of thousand doesn't quite match the scale of Enron etc. It seems unlikely that any of these oligarchs gained their huge wealth so rapidly without questionable deals. If the Russian government wishes to make an example or two, how come that's an issue. I would have thought it would reassure investors that criminal activities will not be tolerated.
Peter,Canada
I find it rather strange to see how easily some media throw free enterprise and democracy over on one side and president Putin and autocracy on the other. Concerning free enterprise tycoons and politics, and how democracy gets threatened in the ascent of their power, quite different opinions can be heard, in Italy for example. Considering the ongoing process of globalisation, which is run exclusively by business tycoons, one could think of this Russian arm wrestling game as one between free enterprise and political democracy, rather than between freedom and autocracy.
P. Vandenberghe,Ghent, Flanders (Belgium) If you steal a thousand dollars - you are thief and you place is in jail, but if you steal a billion, then you are called a businessman and presidents and ministers line up to shake your hand. The constitution law clearly stated that all USSR (Russia) state property was in fact property of the people of USSR (Russia). After "privatization", by some magic most of that property ended up in pockets of Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and such. In civilized countries such magic has many names: fraud, theft, embezzlement and so on. All punishable by law, if I'm not mistaken.
Russia as any country has right to prosecute its criminals; as well as to make deals with them. Apparently Khodorkovsky broke his "parole conditions" not to get involved in politics and not to sell Russian strategic assets abroad. I hope he get his sentence.
Sergei Koptenko, Toronto, Canada
The last fifteen years proved that Russia can only be ruled with an iron fist.
Adam, Montreal, Canada
I do hope Russia is turning its back on democracy - it's never worked in all the history of the country!
Paolo, Cambridge, UK
| Putin is simply using the law to lock up his political enemies |
Of course a new "autocratic Russia" is emerging - it has been for the past ten years. It has only worsened under Putin. This Khodorkovsky arrest is only one in a long line of abuses committed under Putin. This oligarch may very well be guilty, but this is only an example of "selective enforcement". Putin is simply using the law to lock up his political enemies. If Putin stays in power much longer things are only bound to get worse.
Jon, San Francisco, US I do support the arrest of these oligarchs and thieves. They have been instruments for a certain Middle East action.
Ahmet Kozanoglu, Turkey
What's suspect here is the timing. There is no question it seems that this man was corrupt and enriched himself wrongly. Perhaps what Russia needs to do is apply their laws evenly and fully and arrest all the oligarchs. Personally, like many others, I am encouraged to see at least one country protecting the public interest over business interests.
Matt, San Francisco, US
It's amazing to see the majority of people actually supported the arrest. It seems like only the western media is worried about it. But I believe, the ever pragmatic Putin wouldn't mind doing a u-turn if it gets out of hand and really affects the Russian economy.
Prasanth Lal, India
| Who cares as long as there is enough vodka, black bread and pickles? |
The majority of Russians respect only strong authoritarian regimes. That was the case before 1917, after 1917, and after 1990 as well. I don't hear many Russians scream for democracy or protest against the elimination of almost all independent media in Russia. Who cares as long as there is enough vodka, black bread and pickles?
Mirek Kondracki, Alexandria, US At least in Russia one is seeing focus and activity on bringing those that have abused trust in the corporate world to justice and should remind the rest of the world that scandals like Enron, etc, etc, etc should be addressed immediately.
EC, US
| This is an outrage, Mikhail Khodorkovsky has worked hard for his money |
This is an outrage, Mikhail Khodorkovsky has worked hard for his money and the Communist attempts to seize it disgust me. The new Russia, under Putin, does indeed show signs of autocracy which will impede foreign investment into the Russian market. Russia is close to being admitted into the World Trade Organisation: we must not spoil our chances now!
Sergey Zolotarev, Moscow, Russia Emerging? Russia has never been a democracy and probably never will be. Unfortunately, the majority of Russian people have no concept of real democracy and that's why they are applauding the arrest of a person, who not only hasn't been found guilty by a truly independent court, but hasn't been even formally charged with any crime. Khodorovsky (and Gusinsky before him) is guilty of one crime only. He has had audacity to criticize president Putin and his KGB clique and condemn his atrocities in Chechnya. Those oligarchs who support Putin and pay bribes to officials of his regime are alive and well.
Miroslaw, Arlington, US
Totalitarianism is not emerging in Russia. Finally the laws are going to apply to all citizens regardless of how much money they have in their bank accounts. No one seems to care that Khodorkovsky is actually guilty of all of these crimes and probably many others we have not heard about. This man is nothing more then a criminal and a thief who defrauded the Russian people of billions of dollars. How can democratic and open society be based on theft and mass fraud? Russia cannot become a democracy until all of the oligarchs are sitting in jail. That is why 99% of the people in Russia are fully supportive of the president. It's a shame that the people who run the BBC and much of the media in the west are only interested in helping special interest groups rather then unbiased news coverage.
Vladislav, Moscow, Russia
It's the way it's always been. In Russia the state has always been stronger than anyone or anything else. This is just a reminder that even the richest can go down if the state wills it.
Andrei Pavlinsky, Denver, US (formerly from USSR) It seems that Putin wants to prevent Russia becoming a "corporate Russia" where big money will corrupt the system like it did in America, where democracy has been hijacked.
Leo, Netherlands
Our president repeatedly tells us he's just enforcing the law. It's not hard to assume Mr. Khodorkovsky and other oligarchs have actually violated the law. But the Russian government has tolerated oligarchs for many years, which makes them equally guilty. This blackmail thing is the point many people miss. Selective law enforcement is not simply unfair, it's a crime, probably more serious than those of oligarchs. So Mr Putin's position is absolutely not pure even from the legal point of view.
Marat Khalili,Moscow
There has to be a higher authority than financial power, otherwise you end up with US "democracy", where big money rules the country and the vote of the individual becomes irrelevant. You cannot allow rich people to have unlimited political influence and decide the future of a country. True democracies keep the influence of the extremely rich in check.
Andi, Europe
Perhaps. I wouldn't panic just yet. However, I think it will be interesting to see how the E.U. plays this. After all, any hopes of building an EU global military capability will have to mean closer ties with Russia. This may very well be the first no-win diplomatic situation the EU faces: react too strongly and alienate the Russians; react too mildly and you're seen as backing autocratic rule. Welcome to the wonderful world of being a superpower.
Chris Irvine, US
| What is happening is a struggle for domination of Russian oil |
No, autocratic Russia is not emerging - your question is manipulative in itself. What is happening is a struggle for domination of Russian oil - no less fierce that that in Iraq. Khodorkovski's wealth was not created by Russian money - he was working for foreign investors aiming at getting Russian oil. This is the state putting limits on foreign plunder in Russia. The manipulative attempts of some Western press to represent this as an attack on "democracy" just reflects the degree of irritation at the timely actions of Russian authorities.
Sergei Romanov, Moscow, Russia President Putin is acting in good time to stem the tide of western decadence masquerading as "democracy and free enterprise" The Russian people have already felt the pain of having forsaken the devil they knew, for the devil they don't.
Thomas Lowry, UK
Why - because a rich man has been jailed?
Aristides Garcia, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I wish that it would happen in the US. Putin is brave to go against the corporate thief.
A Heermans, NYC, US
After three years of Chechnya and Putin, only the totally blind can ask these questions.
Gunars Reinis, Riga, Latvia
| It is only right that the oligarchs should now pay the price |
Free enterprise and democracy were badly shattered with the scandalous privatizations of the 90s which were encouraged by both the IMF and the World Bank. So it is only right that the oligarchs should now pay the price. But it is also questionable that Mr Putin is acting only in the name of justice: targeting the most prominent tycoon right before the elections clearly demonstrates a politically motivated crack-down. It will be interesting to see how Russian society can handle this fight between economic and political powers.
Hughes, Paris, France If not giving a free rein to people who made the most out of an unfortunate situation is autocratic than I think an autocratic Russia is emerging. It is sad to see a "cry of pain" in media when rich people are served common man justice.
Anon, US
Russia will never return to being autocratic. It is a real democracy and loves capitalism. On my most recent visit to St Petersburg the Russian people on the street loved me as an American and told me the Russians are becoming like me. Khodorkovsky is corrupt and a loser.
Hassan Nasir, US
East of Berlin nobody ever thought about Russia as a democratic state (because it never was). Only westerners could have such a naive illusion.
Antanas Petraitis, Vilnius, Lithuania Autocratic or not, I feel action such as this is no worse than the outright purchase of our government here in the US by the corporations - especially the current administration.
Matthew, Boston, US
For the time being it is an internal problem but if left unchallenged it will become a threat in response to the Bush mentality.
James, Canada
People just don't make huge fortunes in countries with a poor rule of law without a great deal shady and corrupt dealings. Not even in China which had enjoyed years of unbridled growth could produce people as wealthy as the Russian oligarchs. I find it more reprehensible that Berlusconi, the richest man in Italy, has used his wealth and political influence to pervert the course of justice. Russia should be admired for finally putting its own house in order.
Derek Wong, Hong Kong
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Russia's oligarchs
