Mikhail Khodorkovsky Verdict

Russian oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky gets a nine year prison sentence for charges of fraud and conspiracy brought against him by the Russian government, lead by Vladimir Putin. Khordorkovsky was once Russia's richest man.. something that will give him no comfort while he takes a break for 9 years.
Among the critics of the trial, American President Bush was quoted as saying that "it looked like he had been judged guilty prior to having a fair trial".
Verdict in Russia
Russians who still hope to see their country join the community of democratic nations are reduced to predicting that Mr. Putin's policies are self-destructive. They may be right: Already, decision making by Mr. Putin's small and insular circle has been hamstrung by a lack of reliable information and constructive criticism, and bureaucrats emboldened by his lawless dismantlement of Mr. Khodorkovsky's giant company are engaged in a free-for-all of graft and extortion. Mr. Putin launched his attack on Mr. Khodorkovsky two years ago because he felt threatened by his growing economic clout and political ambition. He has destroyed the power and checked the ambition; Mr. Khodorkovsky may be in jail for the next two Russian presidential elections. Yet Mr. Putin has grown weaker. He has eliminated his rivals -- but also the chance that he will lead a country capable of thriving in the global economy, or a government worthy of the world's respect. washington post