UPDATE 2-European court rules against Russia in oil man case

Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer for Khodorkovsky, said he was unable to comment on the cases pending.

But he referred to a ruling last month by prosecutors in Switzerland. They turned down a Russian request for legal assistance on a new YUKOS-related prosecution, arguing there was a risk Khodorkovsky would face discrimination in Russian courts.

"What the Swiss decision has demonstrated beyond any doubt is that Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a political prisoner," Amsterdam told Reuters.

"I believe there is a limit to how long the world can stand by and watch those who stole YUKOS assets sit in judgment on the former owners," he said.

Yuri Schmidt, another lawyer for Khodorkovsky, said prison officials had reprimanded his client for failing to keep his hands behind his back as he returned from the exercise yard.

The reprimand means Khodorkovsky, at least for a time, loses the eligibility to apply for early release, which he acquired after serving half his sentence. His lawyers say such reprimands are part of an official campaign to keep him in jail.