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.

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.