French philosopher Andre Glucksmann states his position

Izbrannoye, 31.10.2008

Why did you sign the Internet petition for the release of Svetlana Bakhmina?

Firstly, in a democratic country a pregnant woman with two children would be treated with great respect. Since the law allows for a pardon and release after half the sentence has been served it is obvious that humanity and democracy require she be released.

Second, this case overall has confirmed how arbitrary these decisions are. The accusations made against Yukos were extremely unjust since all the oligarchs and many members of the present government deserved just the same term of imprisonment that Khodorkovsky and his staff received.

Third, Mr Medvedev recently condemned the legal nihilism that reigns in Russia today. If Medvedev wants to earn trust abroad he must match words with deeds. The release of this woman is the very least and the very first thing he should do in order to defeat “legal nihilism”. However, she continues to be held in prison, which shows that legal nihilism is as strong as ever in Russia. In other words, the release of Svetlana Bakhmina would not only serve the interests of justice and humanity but those of Dmitry Medvedev as well.

How do the French regard this problem? Does public opinion pay attention to what is going on in Russia?

Public opinion is sensitive to what is happening in Russia as a whole. France is one of the least receptive countries in Western Europe to the deceitful propaganda Russia directs at us. And that is because the French love Russia and value Russian culture. That was why they did not like the war in Chechnya, unleashed almost ten years ago, or the suppression of democratic rights. As a result, the French are extremely apprehensive. Many may not know about the Yukos affair but the general impression they have of Russia is as I have described.

Of recent French President Sarkozy recommends “never to offend Russia”.

Sarkozy speaks in diplomatic terms and, possibly, does not himself believe half what he says.

I have heard that there will be a public discussion about Russia in Paris on 16 November.

Yes, I shall be the moderator. The discussion is called “Whither Russia?” and will cover what is happening within the country and Russia’s role in the world. Sergei Kovalyov has been invited to take part. It is our deep love for Russia that leads us to pose this question.