New charges against Khodorkovsky

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The jailed former Russian tycoon, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, has gone on trial at a court in Moscow on new charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Once Russia's richest man, Khodorkovsky was jailed for eight years in 2005 for tax evasion and other offences. Khodorkovsky's supporters have accused the government of fabricating the new charges in order to keep him in prison. Commentators say the Kremlin fears that Khodorkovsky, who is already eligible for early release, could become a rallying point for the opposition if he is freed. Prosecutors say Khodorkovsky embezzled 900 billion roubles ($25 billion) and laundered 500 billion roubles, charges that could keep him in jail for 22 years more if found guilty.

About 20 people came to the court to support Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Police detained 4 Khodorkovsky supporters outside the court as they shouted "Freedom for political prisoners, freedom for Mikhail Khodorkovsky."