West told to mind its own business

Russia's foreign Ministry has hit back at US and European criticism of the second conviction of jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, telling Western leaders to mind their own business.

On Monday Mr Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man who posed a challenge to Vladimir Putin early in his presidency, was convicted of stealing oil from his own company and laundering the proceeds. Critics said the ruling raised questions about political manipulation of the law.

But officials said the claims were unfounded and accused the West of trying to put pressure on the court.