Mikhail Khodorkovksy's decision not to turn to politics has disappointed many activists in the Russian opposition. They had hoped their favourite political philosopher and guru of social justice would rise and compete with Vladimir Putin.
Khodorkovsky's announcement in Berlin on Sunday that he does not intend to re-enter Russian politics, but would rather become a "public figure", rolled across Russia all the way to Siberia.
In the city of Asbest in the Ural Mountains – a city whose economy depends on the mining of asbestos – Khodorkovsky's decision was received with deep frustration.
"Oh, no, this is a horrible news! I really hope he will change his mind," said Natalya Krylova, the leader of the Green party.
Russia's beleaguered entrepreneurs were also dismayed, Krylova said. "I was in seventh heaven when Khodorkovsky went free! All of us, businessmen and public figures, had lost our trust in [Russian billionaire and policitian] Mikhail Prokhorov – the only man we trust is Khodorkovsky."
Despite 10 years in prison, Khodorkovsky never stopped being a public figure. His face behind bars became an iconic symbol of a wise and patriotic political prisoner.
"If he decided to run for next elections, I would support him for sure – he could be that heavyweight candidate able to beat Putin," Boris Nemtsov, co-chair of the combined Republican party and People's Freedom party, said on Saturday.
"He is a very courageous man, strong and clever; he has gone through much suffering with dignity – there is just a handful of characters in Russia respected as much as Khodorkovsky … he has a moral right not to dive into the political battle," Nemtsov said.
Whether or not it was his intention, Khodorkovsky has been an active participant in Russian politics from behind bars. His articles published in independent media inspired the political thought of a generation of Russian opposition politicians.
"All these years, Khodorkovsky had a huge influence on us; he was a pioneer of social liberalism, he was the first to open our eyes, and open a broad discussion about why business should have social responsibility," Ilya Yashin, one of opposition's younger leaders, pointed out. "In the country lacking ideas, political wisdom could play a big difference, especially if it is by somebody as important to Russians as Khodorkovsky."
