Statement of Gunter Nooke, commissioner for human rights of Angela Merkel.

During the interview for German Netzeitung Mr. Nooke said:
"In Russia human rights abuses are happening and nobody talks about it. On the one hand there is no information available and on the other hand perhaps nobody wants to talk about it anymore. For instance, the Yukos trial in Russia can in no way be associated with a functioning judicial system. The former Yukos managers Michail Khodorkowskij and Platon Lebedjew were transferred over Christmas for interrogation. Nobody reported on this. To me, they are political prisoners who deserve at least a minimum of human rights and rule of law, even in a Russian prison. Russia demands a leading role in the international arena and especially with regard to energy policies. I do not agree to the application of different standards. It is not possible to say that in authocratic states there is a 90% human rights reduction, while for America 110% adherence to human rights is demanded."

("Netzeitung", 11.01.2007)