Is Khodorkovsky a threat to the Kremlin?
– Some observers and supporters of Khodorkovsky say a chief reason for the new trial is to keep Khodorkovsky out of politics beyond the next presidential election in 2012. Others say that at least in the short run, he poses no major political threat to Medvedev or Putin, who are widely accepted by the Russian populace despite the economic crisis. – What could happen? – Most Russians and observers believe the outcome is in the hands of the country’s leaders rather than the court. Many say an acquittal is highly unlikely because it would raise questions about the legitimacy of the initial trial, casting Putin in a negative light. Medvedev could pardon Khodorkovsky following a conviction, which would signal that he wants to put the matter behind him. But that would anger Kremlin hard-liners, and possibly Putin, and Khodorkovsky might not accept the pardon if it implied an admission of guilt. There is also speculation about the possibility of an informal deal to avoid a long new prison sen
