since Mikhail Khodorkovsky's imprisonment till Russia's elections for President.


Today in the European Parliament Graham Watson MEP, the Leader of the Liberals and Democrats, will unveil a calendar marking the number of days since Mikhail Khodorkovsky's imprisonment and counting down until 2 March 2008 - the date for Russia's so-called democratic elections for President.

"Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been in jail since 2003 for financing the liberal opposition. 1572 days later, with another election around the corner the only liberal candidate is barred from running. As Russia goes from injustice to injustice, the crackdown on democracy feels like a cold blast from the past".

The calendar will remain in the European Parliament until 2 March 2008.