Commenting on the arrest of Yukos head Mikhail Khodorkovsky, President Putin noted that only a court of law, before which all citizens are equal, could adopt a decision to deprive a person of his or her freedom. He said he had no intention to meet with representatives of political parties or the business community to discuss the actions of law enforcement bodies in this case – unless these actions overstepped the law.
He stressed that the results of privatisation would not be reviewed, overhauled or otherwise challenged and urged the ministers not to be drawn into a discussion on this subject.
During the meeting, the President instructed the Government and his Executive Office to prepare proposals on drafting an effective system of anti-corruption measures.
He also commented on the amendments to the Criminal Code which he submitted for the consideration of the State Duma. The changes provide for severe punishments for trafficking in persons, using slave labour and related offences.