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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |