Talk:Mikhail Khodorkovsky/Archive 1

I think this article is very interesting and pretty exhaustive in its level of detail. Not wanting to completely blanche it of its character, I do have one or two problems with it: in the section that essentially says, 'well, what goes around comes around' it says that the 'redistribution' going on is 'strictly within the law'. From what I can gather from following this story that is a pretty contentious comment. In fact hasn't Khodorkovsky's entire defence rested on the fact that the case against him is essentially illegal? I also have a problem with the word 'redistribution' as it implies that somehow the destruction of Yukos will result in more people benefitting, or even owning a stake in it. Although, on the acquisition of the subsidiary Yukansneftgas the state effectively renationalised a large slice of the oil industry I think it important to emphasise that if any 'redistribution' is going, on rightly or wrongly, it is not going to 'the people'. Basically, in my mind, 'redistribution' is a word loaded with a socialist history, and I don't think the destruction of Yukos was done in the name of socialism. Anyway I am new to Wikipedia, impressed with it and wanted to test my thoughts on the 'talk' section, before launching into anything so bold as 'editing'.

I removed some of the arrest details; they were more tabloid than encylopedic. I hope you understand. As a rule, it is best to stick with the essential facts. Hope you agree with this. Looks like a fascinating story; I wonder how it will further unfold. -- Viajero 09:29, 1 Nov 2003 (UTC)

You're right, I totally agree. It flows much better with the changes, definitely. All your changes have been terrific. I initially left out all of the details of the arrest but they seem to have become important to the public perception of the events so I gave it a go. Karl Marx 13:06, 1 Nov 2003 (UTC)

Hi again,

A couple of minor comments. Be careful of comments like this:
 * and prosecuting Russia's most prominent and successful oligarch is helpful to his political career and intended candidacy for the Duma.

It is speculative and not entirely neutral (I tweaked it). In a news article, it is ok, but not in an encyclopedia.

Also, dates usually don't have to be linked; only the most important (ie, DOB). See Make only links relevant to the context.

Nice article; keep up the good work! -- Viajero 13:44, 2 Nov 2003 (UTC)

Khodorkovsky: BLKSM??
Graf 4: What is "BLKSM"?? The initial reference was to Communist Youth League. That was changed to Komsomol, and now it is an abbreviation that is not widely known. Could this be changed to something recognizable, or could a first reference be placed higher in the article? --Tim
 * The correct abbreviation is "VLKSM". This is the same as "Komsomol", which is the title of an article. Andres 00:06, 6 Nov 2003 (UTC)

90 m barrels?
No well in the world produces 90m barrels of oil per day. The whole world production is 80m barrels a day. Correct it please.

Vladimir Putin agreement with oligarchs
First, I must say great job on this article. It is a prime example of great work on wikipedia and I think it would be nominated as a featured article. But I see one possible problem currently that may need some tweaking throughout the article.

''Russian president Vladimir Putin had made a tacit agreement with the oligarchs soon after he was elected in 2000 that he would not touch the huge wealth they had gained in crony dealings with state officials in the 1990s. In return, they were told to pay taxes and keep out of politics.''

This statement seems logical and while I agree with it so, is there any actual way to prove this? If not, maybe the entry should be revised for a more neutral tone. Thoughts? --Dejitarob 20:44, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Guesswork removed
The disputed piece removed:


 * ''Russian president Vladimir Putin had made a tacit agreement with the oligarchs soon after he was elected in 2000 that he would not touch the huge wealth they had gained in crony dealings with state officials in the 1990s. In return, they were told to pay taxes and keep out of politics.

Most of the oligarchs have chosen to keep low profiles &mdash; but not Khodorkovsky.''

It is hardly believable that this kind of deal was officially announced. Hence it is guesswork, even if correct. If it is an opinion of a serious political observer, please quote. Mikkalai 16:51, 11 Mar 2005 (UTC)

This opinion is widely - if tacitly - shared within academic circles analysing the former Soviet Union -- it is based on the fact that a meeting between the Oligarchs and Putin DID take place in 2000: http://www.fas.org/news/russia/2000/000728-rus1.htm

However, this opinion IS pure speculation and should be considered educated guesswork. The article should include a reference of this kind, however.

Further, this opinion is also widely believed among Russians outside Russia (I do not know about Russians in Russia). There is a danger of sliding into conspiracy theories with this, which should be avoided. Considering the role of the oligarchs prior to the ascent of Putin, and their initial support of Putin, followed by Putin's crackdown on some - but not all - of these, there appears to be merit in the claim, paritucalarly since the only oligarchs Putin cracked down on were those who had become involved in politics.

--62.153.157.219 09:27, 16 August 2005 (UTC)

"Developed world"
Hi, I read this very interesting topic, however in the "Foreign business partners complain" paragraph, you mention that certain behaviours would not be accepted in the "developed world". I would rather it be compared to the "western world" since I believe Russia to be well developed although a bit rusty and heavy.

prison sentence
I updated the prison sentence from seven to nine years according to a Spiegel online article (sorry it's german). If there are conflicting reports please state the source. Cheers --Jpkoester1 21:03, May 31, 2005 (UTC)

NPOV dispute from anonymous user
As to the obvious, which is that the article as found was a typical up-to-the-line and sometimes-well-across piece of Khodorkovsky propaganda, and which truly needed a needle to pop that odious balloon, the reaction time proved it's pop was heard by the watchdogs. No surprise there. That you think your particular obfuscations and smokescreens (or do you prefer, "maskirovka") are effective with the masses, of course, you are partly correct... at least those Western masses who never set foot in country. EASY to fool them.


 * I have removed everything, you won the argument by example, that is not good, but it worked anyway, emotional distress is natural.
 * You had one valid point, so did I - look at this banner.
 * Gnomz007 18:56, 11 July 2005 (UTC)
 * I know you have read my apology - my heart was in it, I should not have used those words, but if I had half an IQ point more, I should not have wrote you in the first place, personal attacks are inapropriate, replying them is wrong, in some sense I did both, I quit, I know I'm a loose cannon, from now on no politics, I've had just two articles, and I've had enough.Gnomz007 20:13, 11 July 2005 (UTC)

support of the un-neutrality of the article
Here are some fact for you propaganda loving monkeys to make things closer to truth :)

Step 1 - 1963 Khodorkovsky was born from Moisey Khodorkovkoy, in an average Russian familiy. Step 2 - 1987 Khodorkovsky organizes center Minatep Step 3 - 1995 Dec. Khodorkovoy recieves 78% of Ukus. 2nd largest in Russia and 4th largest in the world Oil company. Step 4 - at present: It's a fact that about 900 000 people are incarcerated in Russia. But for some reason only one of them excites the world opinions. The nine hundred thousand first. Say, The Colonel GRU. Anatoly Kvachkov is sitting in jail accused of assassination attempt on Chubais, awaiting his verdict. What happened, how it happened? No one cares. But Khodorkovky! Now that’s a “much” different subject matter. Because of him, there has already been talk of excluding Russia from the big 8. It's quite interesting. What exactly do people see so much better from across the ocean? Where does Bush get his vivid notions? Even Yuliya Timoshenko announced that she it's impossible for her to comment on the trials verdict. What's really nice, is that Khodorkovky's best friend and business partner Leonid Nevzlin has not forgotten about him. From a safe place in Israel he speaks serenely at a press conference: "This is not the end. This is a beginning. And we didn't lose the whole fight. The loss was that of a battle on the enemy territory" Well then, the fight is going on the territory of the enemy. So, but what about the Russian oil? Why not harvest your oil on the friendly territory of the Palestinian Autonomy? Right after the publication of the verdict, many prognosis' came about. Such as that first meaningless and then merciless revolts of enraged with the act of stomping the democracy citizenry followed by a collapse of the mighty Russian economy. Instead... a paradox! According to WCIOM (http://www.wciom.ru/?pt=46&article=1321), here is how Russian people reacted to the 10 year verdict. 28% found the question hard to answer 26% consider it a fair punishment for his actions 25% haven't followed the trial 11% consider it to be too soft 8% too strict and only 4% consider the oligarch innocent. Khodorkovky considered himself innocent. What is interesting is that only 3% consider themselves innocent in Russian jails. The rest 97% are obviously serving their sentences for absolutely nothing. So of those, there are about a million in Russia, including the freshly incarcerated oligarchs. During the trial of the Yukos, Russian oil companies have increased their tax payments minimum by three or four times. While Khodorkovky resided in jail, the number of Russian billionaires has increased from 15 to 27. And so on. (c)Goblin

What was the Political Party he funded?
Was it a specific one?

-G —Preceding unsigned comment added by 134.117.158.83 (talk) 14:40, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

Jewish Russian
Jewish, Christian, or Muslim doesn't matter what ever belief Mr Mikhail Khodorkovsky practices or whatever ethinicity he belongs to; first and foremost thing is he is a human! This helpless person; is a victim of a powerful system and is being crushed slowly and systematically. I'm sure he should have influence and contacts with outside world. They should lobby and get him out. I wish if I was an influencial person and in a position to help him. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Abakhi (talk • contribs)

Well it may be one of the reason for his presecution; please bare in mind; it is not the only reason; look at the wider picture. I'm sure there are his well wishers in and around russia; who could do something to get him out by negotiating with the Russian authority.


 * Yes, but Khodorkovsky's ethnicity is considered by some to be an important factor in his persecution. Hence, it's important. -- Chodorkovskiy  (talk)  16:49, 25 July 2006 (UTC)

I removed this phrase from the header. First, I don't consider it appropriate to mention ethnicity in the header, and second www.ncsj.org/AuxPages/053105NYTimes_Khod.shtml this site states Khodorkovsky had mentioned privately to Jewish leaders on several occasions that he did not consider himself Jewish. Arniep 23:36, 12 November 2005 (UTC)

--Bobby Fisher doesn't consider himself Jewish either, doesn't mean he's not--


 * I suggest Khodorkovsky's ethnicity be made into a separate section. --Chodorkovskiy 09:29, 2 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Frankly, it is not a matter of personal opinion if you are a jew or not, it is genetics. Because of your parentage you are bound to their national plight. Khodorkovskij was targeted in no small part because of the lenght of his nose, since Russia is extremely antisemitic, the infamous "Zion Protocol" book, from which Adolf learned, was fabricated by the tzarist secret service. Then consider the "doctors trial" around the time of Stalin's death or the massive internation of the soviet jewry in the siberian "Birobidjan" territory in the 1960-70s.


 * Mr. Khod could have earned 25000 billion rubles via trickery, make dirty jokes about Putin on the stage daily, etc. and still he wouldn't have been prosecuted at all as a blood-russian. It was his jewry that ultimately made him a target. Therefore it should be featured prominently in the article head, so everbody can read we have a victim of racism here!!!!!


 * Remember Putin spent lotsa time in Germany as a KGB agent and learned ample antisemitic rhetoric. Russia keeps it population dumb with huge amounts of vodka and anti-jewish propaganda, so they do not revolt against tyranny.


 * I hate Israel because of what they do to the palestinian people, but if Mossad had the guts to send in an airborne commando and get Mr. Khod out of the Gulag my opinion of them would be vastly enhanced. It would be 10x simpler than Entebbe rescue, for example. 213.178.107.18 09:01, 4 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Fascinating. Regardless of the context though, I agree: Khodorkovsy's persecution is blamed by some on him being Jewish. That is definetly worth mentioning. --Chodorkovskiy 18:15, 8 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Those accusations of anti-semitism are indeed fascinating, given the fact that the oligarch who "replaced" Khodorovskij, Abramovich, is also Jewish (some say even more so). No reason to censor his ethnic background, but neither is there any reason why it should be in the header. Nothing suggests that it played an especially important role in his life. -- H eptor  talk 23:31, 8 March 2006 (UTC)

Please, please, please let's not get into politics! Especially seeing the level of awareness here... No, it doesn't have to be in the header, but it does have to be in the article. See my original suggestion: an Ethnicity section, where all this Jewishness and claims of anti-Semitic persecution would go.--Chodorkovskiy 06:37, 9 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Surely, if any notable person or organization claimed that the persecution was motivated by anti-semitism, it should be mentioned in the article. But it would also be reasonable to mention that many other oligarchs are also Jewish. -- H eptor  talk 23:01, 9 March 2006 (UTC)
 * Considering Khodorkovsky has said he does not consider himself Jewish there does not need to be a "special section" or any mentioning that other oligarchs may have Jewish parents, grandparents or whatever. Arniep 23:31, 9 March 2006 (UTC)

How about placing the claims of anti-Semitism in the "Viewpoint of supporters" section and the other oligarchs' Jewish descent in the "Viewpoint of critics" one? Hey, I know we can't please everyone, but Wikipedia should contain all the information on the matter - and we all know the above mentioned claims are out there. --Chodorkovskiy 09:14, 10 March 2006 (UTC)

That sounds good, if you have a good source claiming that some or all supporters of Khodorovskij believe that persecution has anti-semitic grounds, include it. Of course, I presume you understand that the those supporters or supporter have to be notable somehow, not just some yahoo screaming from top of a building. Otherwise, anyone can call himself supporter of someone, and have his opinion mentioned here. To give an example: "Suporters of George W Bush claim that the real reason why the Democrats are mocking the President is that he put two black persons in his Goverment." -- H eptor  talk 20:32, 10 March 2006 (UTC)
 * Alright, here's what I came up with (taken from www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=324066&contrassID=2&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y Haaretz.com):


 * "Aleksandr Osovtsov, former vice president of the Jewish Congress in Russia says the anti-Semitism in the affair is clear. The same team from the Prosecutor General's Office that in its day forced Gusinsky to leave Russia is active now and by chance or not, Gusinsky was one of the financial supporters of the Jewish Congress and Khodorkovsky is also among its supporters."


 * As for the rest of the oligarchs being Jewish, I could only find yahoos screaming about it... Sorry, maybe you'll have better luck. --Chodorkovskiy 07:39, 11 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I didn't say all oligarchs are Jewish, I would like to meet those yahoos claiming that! But Roman Abramovich is, read the article about him (or take the hint, "Abram"ovich :p ). As far as I know he largely took over the political influence of Khodorovskij, while Putin also made his point on who is really in charge. So I hope you understand why I am so reluctant about claims that his persecution was anti-semitcially motivated. But, this former vice persident of Jewish congress seems to have insinuated otherwise, so per Wikipedia policy this is relevant material. -- H eptor  talk 03:43, 12 March 2006 (UTC)
 * Yes, many Russian oligarchs are Jewish. Yes, it can be verified using Wikipedia. However, doing so qualifies as original research. I know what you meant. The thing is, I couldn't find a serious source saying what you just said. I understand that your claim is also legitimate, I just couldn't find a source for it. We find that - we can start adding the whole thing to the article.--Chodorkovskiy 07:11, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


 * It seems noone before you actually found it necessary to ask for sources that Roman Abramovich is a jew, but here is one source: www.israelnewsagency.com/jewisrael194800.html. On the bottom of the page, there is a nice list of prominent jews. -- H eptor  talk 13:47, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Dude, calm down - I'm not arguing with you about Khodorkovsky or Abramovitch. It's about the article having credibility. This is what I had in mind:


 * "Some believe Khodorkovsky's persecution is motivated by anti-Semitism (Khodorkovsky is Jewish), and that it is only one of many steps to clearing Russian economy from Jews (starting with Gusinskiy and Berezovsky). Others point out that a large number of Jewish oligarchs are still doing very well in Russia.


 * We already found "some". Now we need the "others". --Chodorkovskiy 14:20, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I am calm; you really need to find those "others", or evidence that such opinion is held by a "significant minority", read Neutral_point_of_view -- H eptor  talk 18:20, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Sorry if I sounded condescending. Anyway... I though you wanted the "lots of Jewish oligarchs" part. I really don't know just how popular that POV is. All my relevant google search came up with were the National Vanguard ("Russia's Jewish power baron under siege") and the Islamic Radio ("Russia is ready to smash Zionist state"). So I say again: if you want the counter-arguments to claims of anti-Semitism presented - please provide a source. If not, we can still say that this belief is not shared by the official leadership of Russia's two major Jewish organizations (www.jig.ru/peredovica/002.html source):


 * "Some believe Khodorkovsky's persecution is motivated by anti-Semitism (Khodorkovsky is Jewish, although he does not follow Judaism), and that it is only one of many steps to clearing Russian economy from Jews, with Gusinskiy and Berezovsky being the previous victims of this policy. This view is not shared by the heads of the Federation of Russian Jews and the Russian Jewish Congress, who both defended Khodorkovsky's arrest."


 * In fact, that's what I think should be added to the "viewpoint of supporters" section. Feel free to present a version of your own, or make suggestions about this one.

Ah, no, I didn't want to put up that Russia is really ruled by Jews or something, that was a bad misunderstanding. RadioIslam is by the way a known Islamistic hatred propaganda channel, EU even have them on some list over racist media. That Putin made Abramovich Governer of Chukotka is a fact, sources are readily available.

Mentioning that the view is not shared by the heads of the Federation of Russian Jews constitutes enough ballance to that opinion.

The question is: is it a viewpoint held by a significant minority? This is actually the treshold for adding it into Wikipedia: Neutral_point_of_view. Can you name a few prominent adherents? Did Khodorovskij himself claim that? Really, this is nothing personal, if there is a significant number of people who believe that Khodorovskij's persecution was influenced by anti-semitism, this should be mentioned. -- H eptor  talk 20:42, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Well, www.jamestown.org/publications_details.php?volume_id=407&issue_id=3218&article_id=2369187 here's something interesting:


 * "Khodorkovsky's ethnic background (his father is Jewish) has not been discussed in the public press, although the ADL found that it featured in about half the Russian Internet chat rooms devoted to Yukos."


 * Is that significant? Seriously, is it?--Chodorkovskiy 12:11, 13 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I think it is, quite strange that his ethnical background has not been discussed in public press. When Jo Benkow had position as the speaker of parliarment in Norway, his Jewish background was duely mentioned in Norwegian press. All the racist hatred groups have went wild on this naturally, claiming that this was the next step in the Jewish takeover plan or something similar.


 * H eptor  talk 13:54, 13 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I see. Guess it's inevitable in this day and age. Alright then. So what do you think of the final version?


 * "Some believe Khodorkovsky's persecution is motivated by anti-Semitism (his father is Jewish), and that it is only one of many steps to clearing Russian economy from Jews. Gusinskiy and Berezovsky are thought to be previous victims of this alleged policy. This view is not shared by the heads of the Federation of Russian Jews and the Russian Jewish Congress, who both defended Khodorkovsky's arrest." --Chodorkovskiy 18:34, 13 March 2006 (UTC)


 * What about this:


 * "Because Khodorkovsky's father is Jewish, some concerns have been raised that his persecution is motivated by anti-Semitism, and that it is only one of many steps to clearing Russian economy from Jews. This concern is not shared by the heads of the Federation of Russian Jews and the Russian Jewish Congress, who both defended Khodorkovsky's arrest. Gusinskiy and Berezovsky, who too have Jewish roots, have also been persecuted. Other Russian Jewish oligarchs have not been persecuted; Roman Abramovich was appointed by Vladimir Putin for the second term as Governer of Chukotka. Abramovich was elected Governer of Chukotka in 1999, but suggested that he would not run for the second term. However, when the Russian Constitution was changed so that Governers were appointed directly by the President, he was put in the office never the less."


 * This I believe doesn't say anything not supported by sources. -- H eptor  talk 20:20, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

Strike the "However" from the last sentence, put the phrase about Gusinsky and Berezovsky before the one describing the Jewish organizations' reaction, and we have a new paragraph. Also, it's pretty big and presents both sides evenly, so it doesn't really qualify as "viewpoint of supporters". You sure you don't want to make it into some sort of an "alleged anti-Semitic persecution" section? Either way, go ahead and put it in the article. Nice working with you. --Chodorkovskiy 20:57, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

I do see that anti-semitism was actually alleged by anyone; Aleksandr Osovtsov isformer, and even vice, which means he doesn't speak on behalf of the Jewish Congress. And I agree, this is not a viewpoint of supporters any more. So, I understand we have following paragraph:


 * "Because Khodorkovsky's father is Jewish, some concerns have been raised that his persecution is motivated by anti-Semitism, and that it is only one of many steps to clearing Russian economy from Jews. Gusinskiy and Berezovsky, who too have Jewish roots, have also been persecuted. This concern is not shared by the heads of the Federation of Russian Jews and the Russian Jewish Congress, who both defended Khodorkovsky's arrest. Other Russian Jewish oligarchs have not been persecuted; Roman Abramovich was appointed by Vladimir Putin for the second term as Governer of Chukotka. Abramovich was elected Governer of Chukotka in 1999, but suggested that he would not run for the second term. When the Russian Constitution was changed so that Governers were appointed directly by the President, he was put in the office never the less."

Good :)

H eptor  talk 21:28, 13 March 2006 (UTC)


 * In case you're waiting to see if I have any objections - no. As far as I can tell, it's flawless. I think it belongs between the "impact of arrest" and "viewpoint of supporters" sections. "Alleged anti-Semitism" maybe? Like I said, you can put it in the article. --Chodorkovskiy 19:21, 14 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Nah, I waited because I'm lazy, and hoped you'd do it :) I placed it in the "impact of arrest" section.-- H eptor  talk 22:14, 14 March 2006 (UTC)
 * I decided to let you do the editing because you wrote the final version. I kind of saw it as a privilege, not a choir. Regardless, the article is much better now! --Chodorkovskiy 10:45, 15 March 2006 (UTC)

It might be noteworthy that Khodorovsky is only half Jewish, and as far as traditional Judaism is concerned--the wrong half...His father....shouldn't that be mentioned somewhere.... --Shigaon

Spam Alert
I have just received an email referencing this article; emails of this nature are associated with fraud.

Dear friend, I am Mr. Alexander Gedike a personal treasurer to Mikhail Khodorkovsky the Richest man in Russia and owner of the following companies: Chairman/CEO: YUKOS OIL (Russian's Largest Oil Company), Chairman/CEO: Menatep SBP Bank (A well reputable financial institution with its Branches all over the world). SOURCE OF FUNDS: I have a profiling amount in an excess of US$35,000,000 which I seek your  Partnership in accommodating for me. You will be rewarded with 10% of the  total sum for your partnership. Can you be my partner on this? INTRODUCTION OF MYSELF: As a personal treasurer to him, authority was handed over to me to transfer some money to an American oil merchant for his last oil deal with my boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Already the funds have left the shore of Russia to a European private Bank where the final crediting is expected to be carried out. While I was on the process, My Boss got arrested for his Involvement in politics by financing the leading and opposing political parties (the Union of Right Forces, Led by Boris Nemtsov, and Yabloko, a liberal/social democratic party Led by Gregor Yavlinsky) which poses a treat to President Vladimir Putin's Second Tenure as Russian president. You can catch more of the story on this website: newsfromrussia.com/main/2003/11/13/51215.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Khodorkovsky YOUR ROLE: All I need from you is to stand as the beneficiary of the above quoted Sum and I will re-profile the funds with your name, which will enable the European bank transfer the sum to you with the aid of a Security firm in London. The transaction has to be concluded before Mikhail Khodorkovsky is out on bail. As Soon as I confirm your readiness to conclude the transaction with me, I will provide you with the details. Please respond to my private email: alex771gedike@walla.com Thank you very much Regards Alexander Gedike (Mr.)

--Phil 15:30, 6 December 2005 (UTC)


 * So? Wikipedia seems to be popular in Nigeria, which is great. No reason for pasting it here though.--84.188.161.247 10:04, 16 April 2006 (UTC)


 * So that people who are directed to this article will know it's a scam (and yes, a few people are still fooled or the scammers wouldn't still be doing it). In fact, I think it would be a good idea to put a message in the main article about it.


 * Color me unenthusiastic. This sort of thing is not really our responsibility. --Trovatore 19:52, 14 August 2006 (UTC)


 * Nigerian scam is continues using Khodorkovsky's name and his famous oil millions, I think it makes him popular in some way as phishing fraught person. We should note it in some way or another. --SecVortex 19:07, 5 Oct 2006 (UTC)

Alleged beatings
MarcMontoni, what is the source for your edit claiming that Khodorkovsky was repeatedly beaten by FSB officers upon arrest? Really Spooky 00:12, 19 November 2006 (UTC)

neutrality
some of this article seems to use what can only be described as prejudicial language...reads a bit more like an editorial than an enyclopedia article. At least a few phrases do. Like the bit about favorable media, etc.Novium 21:02, 14 December 2006 (UTC)
 * the bit about the means having never been fully explained should be cited or else remove

theft
Trying to associate Khordokvsky's prision to his jewish heritage is an offense to the jewish people and an apology to crime, even if the arrest was political motivated. Like the "italian" mob, the "irish" mob, and so on, there's also a "jewish" mob, but of course that doesn't mean that all jews are mobsters. Those guys stole assets that belonged to the Russian People, paying much, much less that they were worth to get them, beeing financed by outsiders who wanted to take advantage of the caos Russia was (and may be still) in. They were obviously robbers, bandits, mobsters - Just That. --Dfv10 04:42, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

Khodorkovsky is a jew,
And as you can see by taking a look on other famous jews articles, it is written on their biography that they are jews (e.g. Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka, Natalie Portman). Judaism is not just his religion, he was born to the jewish people! The fact that he doesn't consider himself as a jewish doesn't make him a non-jewish person. He can't change his genetics. His religion is not Jewish, but he was born to the Jewish people, and he has their genetics, so that makes him a Russian Jew. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 87.69.68.234 (talk) 22:54, 8 January 2007 (UTC).
 * OK, enough from you. You are scary.  Being a Jew can be a choice (Sammy Davis, Jr.) and there is no genetic link shared between all Jews.  So please, shut up.  Moomot 19:22, 5 February 2007 (UTC)
 * why does his religion matter? Do Jews have different genetics that non-Jews? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 199.250.8.220 (talk) 23:34, 13 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Yes. And Russians have different genetics than non-Russians, Hispanics have different genetics than non-Hispanics, etc.  98.211.105.148 (talk) 12:46, 24 March 2009 (UTC)

Jewish is both a religion and an ethnicity. Khodorkovsky might reject the Jewish religion, but he cannot somehow lose his Jewish ethnicity. I'm pretty certain that was the point being made. marnues 00:03, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

Cheney Link
This is very important! Khodorkovsky met with Cheney and big oil to discuss selling a share of Yukos to big oil, in order to make sure that his company was not going to be taken over by the government, and he would not face charges, and would be protected. That was one of the major reasons for his arrest. Putin did not want American companies to enter the oil market in Russia as major players and it was in national interest to him to keep them out. Also, there was a meeting between the big money makers in Russia who have owned these oil companies, and all agreed that they will start to pay taxes and then all will be forgiven. This meeting is not a myth and happened. Everyone at the meeting agreed. There was some tension at Lukoil, but otherwise everyone started to pay, except for our dear poor prosecuted friend Khodorkovsky, who continued his illegal ways. Putin was not too happy, and as a result of his arrest, I believe the figures were somthing like 80 billion of taxes from business, went up to around 220 billion in tax revenues following his arrest. It worked! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Gutsalo (talk • contribs) 06:15, 18 February 2007 (UTC).

Restored deleted material
Resored material removed from article without discussion by Sovietsky pioneer Cheers, :) Dlohcierekim  14:25, 25 August 2007 (UTC)

Article requires serious help
I almost think the article should be rewritten from scratch. There are huge swaths of unsourced text. This bio deservers much better it seems, but maybe its just me as usual :) Very interesting "story" but needs help. I could try I guess? Anyways, --Tom 15:01, 20 February 2009 (UTC)