Lawyers fear former chief of Yukos could be assassinated in prison

Political enemies could orchestrate attacks when Khodorkovsky starts jail sentence.
Fears are growing that Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former chief executive of Russian oil giant Yukos, could be murdered after he is sentenced next week.
His lawyers say it is a foregone conclusion he will be found guilty of tax evasion, and they expect him to receive a sentence of up to 10 years in a labour camp, probably hi Siberia.
But concern is mounting among his legal team and supporters over his safety. Since his arrest in October 2003, Mr Khodorkovsky has been held hi prisons run by the FSB, the successor to the KGB, and the Ministry of Justice. These have offered some protection to nun from politically orchestrated attacks by other prisoners or guards.
However, if he is convicted, Mr Khodorkovsky will be hand-is over, he will be of no further use to the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Since Mr Khodorkovsky's ar-
becoming involved in politics. Soon after coming to power five years ago, Mr Putin made an agreement with the owners of tional attorney acting for Mr Khodorkovsky, said: "There are no laws in Russia. The only organised criminal group and back-tax bills last year. Legal action could be launched later this month, but it is not clear in which jurisdiction this would