Judges dragged out their summing up in the fraud trial of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky into a third day today, delivering their findings that defence lawyers say are sure to end with a "guilty" verdict.
During the summing-up, which a Khodorkovsky lawyer said could still last for "days and days", the judges have made clear they agreed with prosecutors that the billionaire had committed crimes related to all seven charges against him.
"My feeling is that it will take days and days," lawyer Robert Amsterdam told reporters. "But as soon as the press loses interest it may speed up dramatically and there could be a verdict."
Izvestia newspaper said the three judges needed to read aloud a 15 cm (5 inch) wad of documents to the court before they can declare their final verdict.
Even Khodorkovsky's lawyers say there is no doubt the 41-year-old billionaire, once Russia's richest man, will be convicted for fraud, tax evasion and other charges and jailed. The only question is how long for.
The prosecution is seeking 10-year sentences for Khodorkovsky and co-defendant Platon Lebedev. Analysts say a shorter sentence would indicate a Kremlin softening and a desire to reassure businessmen they are safe from prosecution.
The trial, which has alarmed investors and hurt President Vladimir Putin's international standing, is widely seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to crush a political rival and warn Russia's business elite to keep out of politics.
The Kremlin has denied influencing the trial and says the court is independent. But a senior Putin aide has described the trial as a "showcase" for other businessmen.
Khodorkovsky (41) was founder of the now crippled YUKOS oil company. He had been funding opposition parties before he was arrested at gunpoint in a raid on his private jet in Siberia 17 months ago.