Mikhail Khodorkovsky makes a statement in response to remarks from Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and urges him to appear in his trial as a witness:

"I have familiarized myself with the statements made by Vladimir Putin in Paris on November 27 and in Moscow on December 3.

I urge Vladimir Putin to appear before the Khamovnichesky Court as a witness for the Defence and, under oath, disclose all the information that is known to him.

By doing this, he would contribute to strengthening Russia’s judicial system, in contrast to imposing direct pressure on the courts, witnesses and society, which has been the practice of dealing with the Yukos case over the past 7 years and which has influenced all of the decisions taken in relation to this case.

M. Khodorkovsky, December 7, 2009", Khodorkovskycenter.com