Respect rule of law, U.S. warns Russian leader

Ahead of his departure for Moscow last night, President Barack Obama questioned the politically charged prosecution of a prominent Russian businessman.

Obama raised concerns about the treatment of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who along with his partner has been put back on trial six years after they were first arrested. Critics say the new trial seems aimed at keeping Khodorkovsky, a rival to the government who was once Russia's richest man, in prison.

Obama called on President Dmitry Medvedev to follow through on his promise "to strengthen the rule of law in Russia," which he said includes ensuring "courts are not used for political purposes.''

Khodorkovsky, who led Yukos, a giant oil company, was arrested in 2003 when he challenged former president Vladimir Putin. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for fraud and tax evasion and his company was effectively taken over by the state. He is back on trial on new charges of embezzlement and money-laundering.

Source: NEW YORK TIMES