“Thousands of people all over Russia are outraged by what is going on.”

Letters to Mikhail Khodorkovsky

Good afternoon:
Many of those who contact you say that the world does not hear the voice of protest from Russia about the “Khodorkovsky case” and believe that civil society in this country accepts what is going on.

I myself and many of the people around me (and one can even see from your publications that many thousands of people all over Russia are outraged by this and feel ashamed of those who organized this disgraceful case, and by the actions of those who executed it), feel concerned for what will come next. Something needs to be done to make sure all these people are heard. So that the whole world can understand how hurt we are, and how scared we are – yes, scared, because we have not forgotten anything and we do not want to go back to our monstrous past. We want to respect ourselves and cannot allow a bunch of grey mediocrities to be written into the “Forbes” list by using their infamous “administrative resources," looking at this country as if it were a bottomless pit for the enrichment of their personal wealth, - these holders of some kind of perverted ideology, for which it is quite hard to find a name. Minions in high places have always been more dangerous to us than outside interventionists, since we know that an enemy within poses a much greater threat – by being able to remain hidden for some time and by lack of resistance to his activities. We are most certainly turning ourselves, our country and the future of our children into their prey! That is why we must make our voices heard and make everyone aware that there are many of us. And then the international community, instead of inarticulate mumbling, will probably denounce, loudly and clearly the things that are going on in Russia. And very likely, this condemnation will make the powers that be do something about it – this will not be coming from their own people, whose opinion they can totally disregard. I don’t have a very clear idea how one can do this, and what one should do to start organizing this campaign. But, obviously, there are some people who do know. So, let’s do it! I’m ready, and I am willing to cast my vote, and I am eager to get more actively involved. And I am not the only one waiting for this to happen.

That is why I appeal to THOSE, WHO CAN – give us a chance to be heard, help us, and consequently help yourselves, and help everyone.

Respectfully and hopefully,
Svetlana Ilyina

Dear Mikhail:
Greetings!
My name is Natalia, I am a senior manager in a small company.

I’ll put it straight – kindness and justice always win! I have never been able to wish anyone ill. However, I am sure that the most proper and sacred laws are the laws of Nature and the Earth.

Our planet is very tiny and round and every little thing comes back, whether it’s good or evil.

They will realize it, not right away, but it will certainly happen. Personally, I feel sorry for them.

You are a true personality, having been the manager of the biggest and “cleanest” company in this country. I believe in you. My whole family, my parents – we all support you! I know that everyone will eventually get what is his due, and I don’t think these are mere words – this is just the law of life.

Hold yourself straight up!

Just remember, that there are a lot of people in this world who really care about what happens to you.
Respectfully,
Natalia

Dear Mikhail:
I am at a loss for words to express my admiration for you, and for your courage, steadfastness, and nobility.

You are the pride of Russia… Contrary to that – those who oppose you – are an indelible disgrace to [Russia].

Comparing you with the Decembrists brings to my eyes tears of pride, bitterness and admiration both for you and your wife Inna. She has followed you like Countess Trubetskaya and Princess Volkonskaya.

May the Lord save you, Inna and your children! I am praying for you.
My comrade, trust
It will rise high,
The Star of captivating fortune,
And Russia from its sleep would fly,
While the autocracy in torture
Dwarfed by Your names beneath shall lie