> But Putin only targeted (for prosecution) people who opposed him (or were potential threats). Which is why I express my cynicism at the timing of Khodorkovsk

> But Putin only targeted (for prosecution) people who opposed him (or were potential threats). Which is why I express my cynicism at the timing of Khodorkovsky's pardon. There must be a reason for letting him out now, so I can not help but think that Putin wanted to remind someone (or many someones) what he can do to politically inconvenient opponents. The beauty, if one can use such a word in this context, is that the reminder comes in a form of letting a person out of the prison. So much more convenient.