The subtle reflections of the courtroom make a fascinating portrait of one of Russia's most famous oligarchs. The Khodorkovsky case offers a rare glimpse into the Russian justice system, as AP reports today:

Khodorkovsky's arrest in October 2003 and the subsequent state takeover of his Yukos oil company allowed the government to reassert control over the energy sector and tamed other wealthy businessmen, who have obediently followed Kremlin orders ever since. The Kremlin also consolidated its hold over political life. Soon after Khodorkovsky's arrest, parties that he had funded were shut out of parliament or sidelined.