Five years ago many of our acquaintances said that a cultured man like my son could not stand more than few months in prison. However, five years have come and gone. Not only has my son Mikhail not let the prison system break him: he has also for many become an example of courage and civic dignity. He has proved he is a real fighter who is stronger than the circumstances, even the most tragic. Soon we shall know the court’s decision about his parole application. It is a decision that in our country, alas, depends not just on the courts or the law alone. Whatever they decide, however, I’m sure my son will remain the same. Years of misfortune and deprivation have only served to harden and strengthen his resolve. The best years, those of his main achievements, still lie ahead.