PACE Commission Alarmed Over Maltreatment of Khodorkovsky’s Jailed Partner Lebedev

The human rights commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, or PACE, has voiced concern over reports on poor treatment of Platon Lebedev in prison. Lebedev was handed an 8-year prison term, along with his business partner Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

The human rights commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, or PACE, has voiced concern over reports on poor treatment of Menatep chief Platon Lebedev by jail authorities, the RIA-Novosti news agency reports.

In a statement obtained by the agency, the PACE commission voiced concern over the reports on insufficient medical treatment Platon Lebedev, former partner of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, has been receiving in prison.

European parliamentarians urged the Russian government to provide Lebedev with necessary medical care, honoring his right to be examined by a doctor whom he trusts.

PACE human rights activists also insist Lebedev should be given a chance to undergo a comprehensive medical examination performed outside the prison hospital.

A Moscow court sentenced Platon Lebedev and former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky to 9 years in prison each. Last week a higher court slashed the term to eight years for both.

(Mosnews, 10.6.2005)