Pavel Ivlev

Russian lawyer Pavel Ivlev fled to the United States in 2004 after refusing to fabricate testimony against Mikhail Khodorkovsky during the Russian government’s dismantling of oil giant Yukos Oil Company. Labeled a fugitive and accused of bribery and embezzlement, Ivlev’s life was upended as he fought political persecution. Now vindicated but remains a long-term political refugee, Ivlev reflects on his role in one of Russia’s most infamous legal battles and the price of standing up to an authoritarian regime.