Categories: Europe News

Mikhail Khodorkovsky arrives in Berlin

Mikhail Khodorkovsky met German ex-foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher in Berlin, hours after being pardoned by President Vladimir Putin

Mikhail Khodorkovsky flew to Berlin on board of a private jet, hours after being pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin and freed from a decade in jail.

In a statement Mikhail Khodorkovsky, 50, confirmed he had asked Vladimir Putin for a pardon due to “family circumstances” – his mother is suffering from cancer.

The former tycoon did not admit guilt and referred to those who were “unjustly convicted and continue to be persecuted” in his case.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky met German ex-foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher in Berlin, hours after being pardoned by President Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin earlier said he had signed the pardon on “the principles of humanity”.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former head of the now defunct oil giant Yukos, was once Russia’s richest man and had used his wealth to fund opposition parties.

He was jailed for tax evasion and theft.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was “happy” that Mikhail Khodorkovsky had been freed.

v_Px_vxCjPc

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.