Russia’s ex-tycoon Khodorkovsky flies to Germany after releaseDecember 20, 2013 - 17:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky has flown to Germany after being released from jail on a presidential pardon, Russia’s prison authorities said Friday, Dec 20, according to RIA Novosti. “On his release Khodorkovsky made a personal request about collecting the documents to go abroad. After being freed he flew to Germany, where his mother is being treated,” a spokesperson for Russia’s prison service said. The Kremlin said earlier on Friday that a pardon for Khodorkovsky had been granted on humanitarian grounds, and would be implemented immediately. President Vladimir Putin said he had decided to sign the pardon on Thursday after a request for clemency from Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, citing his mother’s deteriorating health. The former tycoon’s mother, Marina Khodorkovskaya, said Friday that she did not know her son's whereabouts and was unable to comprehend the news about his release. “I have not yet really processed it fully,” Khodorkovskaya told Russian television channel Rossiya 24. “I didn’t expect it, yesterday was just a day of shock.” Khodorkovsky’s lawyers said they had been informed of his release by prison officials, but did not know his current whereabouts. Photo: RIA Novosti Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |