[JURIST] As anticipated [JURIST report], Russian prosecutors Friday announced plans to bring new charges of money laundering against Mikhail Khodorkovsky [BBC profile], former CEO of second-largest Russian oil firm Yukos [corporate website], and his business partner Platon Lebedev. Khodorkovsky is currently awaiting the expected May 16 verdict [JURIST report] in his trial [Khodorkovsky defense website] on charges of fraud and tax evasion, for which he could spend up to ten years in jail if convicted. Many observers believe the charges filed against Khodorkovsky are a result of his opposition to the Putin government; Russia's richest citizen, he began funding opposition parties in 2003. BBC News has more; MosNews has local coverage.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase:

• Khodorkovsky trial adjourns
• Russian prosecutors call for maximum sentence for Khodorkovsky
• Former Yukos CEO to testify in court
• Arrest of Russia's richest man precipitates Moscow stock crash