13 May 2013

Source: HRO.org (info)

• Karelia  Political prisoners  Yukos affair  Human rights defenders

Мikhail Khodorkovsky, political prisoner: "Politically motivated harassment of NGOs is impermissible. It hinders the flourishing of civil society which is so necessary for the political, economic and social modernization of Russia..."
Dear German Branch of Memorial!
Dear Mr Von Radetsky!

Twenty years ago your organization was founded to support the important work of Memorial in Russia.

Since that time you have dedicated yourself to informing the public about the tyranny and victims of the Stalinist regime, regularly raising awareness about the human rights situation in Russia and supporting by your practical actions the human rights and civic groups in Russia.

Your work has a direct influence on my country and helps the development of civil society, which is so much needed. I would like to congratulate you on your twentieth anniversary and on your achievements, and also thank you for your continuous support in my own case.

In these difficult times your work has a special importance, since your friends in the Russian Memorial organization were among the first to be subjected to intimidation by the authorities in their recent attempts to suppress the voices of opposition. By its actions the Kremlin is depriving itself of the support of civil society and is worsening its relations with the active part of the Russian public.

Politically motivated harassment of NGOs is impermissible. It hinders the flourishing of civil society so necessary for the political, economic and social modernization of Russia.

I am with you in my thoughts and wish you the same strength and tenacity in your future work as I have felt all these years. Since I have been in prison for nearly ten years now, your support means a very great deal to me, and I am very grateful for it.

Yours sincerely,