Lebedev released from punishment block, Khodorkovsky's life not in danger

MOSCOW — Former head of the MENATEP Group, Platon Lebedev, has been released from the punishment block he was placed into on August 18, head of the Russian Penitentiary Service Yuri Kalinin has reported. Lebedev was placed back into the detention cell where he was imprisoned before. Former YUKOS head Mikhail Khodorkovsky embarked on a hunger strike to protest against Lebedev's being placed into the punishment block. Penal authorities said this decision is due to Lebedev's refusal to go on walks, which is a violation of the existing procedures. Lebedev and his lawyers stated the refusal was due to his poor health.

Doctors examined former YUKOS CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky, his lawyer Anton Drel told journalists after a meeting with his client. According to him, Khodorkovsky's health poses no threat to his life and his condition is usual for one on a six-day hunger strike without water. Khodorkosvky said he would end the strike as soon as he knows that former MENATEP Group head Platon Lebedev is released from the punishment block.

(RBC via The Russian Journal, 8.25.2005)