Today a Russian judge announced that Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s request for parole has been denied. You can read coverage here and here. My brief statement: The Russian court has demonstrated a continued willingness to engage in Kafka-esque theatrics in order to make a mockery of justice and the rule of law. Legal nihilism exists and thrives in Siberia today – it is no surprise that this politically influenced hearing found further trumped up reasons to deny Mr. Khodorkovsky parole. The weakening of legal institutions and the Russian constitution continues. After the cut is the official defense statement.