Russia billionaire trial next week
By CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty
MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- The trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky on tax evasion and fraud charges is set to start June 16 and will be combined with fellow Yukos stockholder Platon Lebedev's trial on similar charges, a Russian court has announced.
Khodorkovsky supporters charge the trial, which promises to be one of the biggest events in years in Russia, is part of a Kremlin effort to halt the former oilman's political aspirations and to send a message to other so-called "oligarchs" to tow the line or else.
Khodorkovsky, Russia's richest man and former head of Yukos Oil Company, and Lebedev could face 10 years in prison if convicted on the tax evasion and fraud charges. They are both major Yukos shareholders.
Khodorkovsky -- who has been jailed since October 25th -- wore a black jacket as guards walked him into court for a closed preliminary hearing Tuesday. His mother sat on a bench to watch as he passed by.
Khodorkovsky funded opposition political parties and allegedly used money and influence to induce members of Parliament to vote his way on crucial energy issues.
He also expressed a desire to run for office some day. Russian President Vladimir Putin has defined the case as part of his "crackdown on corruption" and he denies any political motives.
