Medvedev: Khodorkovsky Must Admit Guilt to be Pardoned

President Dmitry Medvedev, answering the question of an Italian journalist whether he intends to pardon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, said that “so far there is nothing to discuss.” Medvedev stated that in accordance with the existing rules “a person [to be pardoned] must address President, admit guilt, and beg for a relevant decision.” However, Khodorkovsky’s attorney Yuri Shmidt opined that Medvedev’s statement was erratic. Although it indeed reflects the regular practice, in fact the law does not require formal admission of guilt as a prerequisite for the pardon. Moreover, President is not legally limited to pardoning only those who filed a pardon petition, whether or not containing an admission.

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