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Supreme Court reduces jail terms for Khodorkovsky and Lebedev

Former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky said the Yukos case was one of the most significant factors behind the decrease in the quality of justice in the country

Photo ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

Photo ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

MOSCOW, August 6 (Itar-Tass) - The Russian Supreme Court on Tuesday reduced jail terms for former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and ex-MENATEP director Platon Lebedev to 10 years and 10 months as it looked into the legality of the second verdict against them. Thus, Khodorkovsky's term expires in August 2014 and Lebedev's - in May 2014.

Earlier, former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky said the Yukos case was one of the most significant factors behind the decrease in the quality of justice in the country. "Lower standards of evidence are assigned to high-profile trials. All the justice system in the country is falling apart. It's barbaric to so treat the law and the court's reputation," said Khodorkovsky via video link as the Supreme Court was reviewing his lawyers' appeal.

By way of conclusion, Khodorkovsky cited Alexander Solzhenitsyn, saying he wished to lead an honest life.

"Live not by lies," and come what may, he said.

His colleague Platon Lebedev declined to participate in the review.

Earlier on Tuesday, the prosecutor asked to uphold the second verdict for former Khodorkovsky and Lebedev.

"There are no reasons to amend the court ruling. Various courts, including the presidium of Moscow City Court, have repeatedly checked the arguments by supervisory bodies," she said.

On December 30, 2010, Moscow's Khamovniki court found Khodorkovsky and Lebedev guilty of theft and money laundering and sentenced them to 14 years in a general regime penitentiary. In May 2011 the prison term was reduced by one year.

On December 20, 2012, the presidium of Moscow City Court further reduced their jail terms to 11 years. Lebedev is due to be set free in August 2014, and Khodorkovsky in October 2014.

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