of prosecutors, precisely to conduct an investigation of political opponents. that's a legacy i dare suggest from the soviet era which as you said in your testimony prosecutors like the kgb were and i quote you now "instruments of oppression." >> i said that and i believe it's true. >> finally, mr. kent, for as long as i can remember, u.s. foreign policy has been predicated on advancing principled interests in democratic values, notably freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion. free and fair and open elections. in the rule of law. mr. kent, would american leaders ask foreign governments to investigate their potential rivals? doesn't that make it harder for us to advocate on behalf of of those democratic values western mark >> i believe it makes it