Gorbachev Asks Gates to Intervene in Piracy Case

An anonymous reader writes to tell us that former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has asked Bill Gates to intervene in a software piracy case against the headmaster of a middle school. If convicted, Alexander Ponosov could face detention in a Siberian prison camp for his crime.

Comments

Gates just Declined

[AftanGustur]

In an astonishing move, Mr. Gates has rejected the proposal!

I wonder if Mr. Gates gets a stiffy by a brutal demonstration of his powers, by crushing the life of a simple teacher.

Microsoft declined

[HappyDrgn]

From another source, it would seem Microsoft is not interested in helping Gorbachev...

"Microsoft on Monday rebuffed a public appeal by Mikhail Gorbachev for its chairman, Bill Gates, to intervene on behalf of a Russian school principal charged with software piracy." - http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/05/business/pi rate.php

Re:Inspired students

[PPGMD]

Not likely BSA audits are more painless then people think. One of my clients underwent a BSA audit, it wasn't nearly as painful as people claim, and they were in the exact situation described, no proof of OEM copy of Windows on hand, these were Windows 98 machines before the COA sticker became common place. They simply pulled up the paperwork to show that they purchased it with the computers, and it was all hunky dory.

... but Putin steps forward

[ja]

"To grab someone for buying a computer somewhere and start threatening him with prison is complete nonsense, simply ridiculous," Putin said. "The law recognizes the concept of someone who purchased the product in good faith."

Re:do the crime, do the time?

[Gverig]

Original letter says that the teacher bought computer with pre-installed software and was not aware of its being illegitimate. Does not really mean that it's true although seems quite possible. For reference, this teacher's salary was probably well below $100/month (Perm is hardly a commerce center)... The letter also mentions that organization that sold said computers to the school is not being investigated.

This is the Justice Russian Style

Re:do the crime, do the time?

[pluther]

...you are correct, they make about 8% more than the average worker.

That's 8% more than the average of all workers.

Teachers, though, are degreed professionals.

When compared against other degreed professionals (page 5 of that same document), you'll see they make considerably less. In 2004, about 60% of the average for other professions that require a four year degree plus certification.