RIA Novosti, December 19, 2013
Alexei Bodganovsky
The Washington-based Institute of Modern Russia, founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s son Pavel, has welcomed the decision of the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to pardon the former owner and head of the Yukos oil company.
“Whatever the reasons for this, including family circumstances, this is undoubtedly a positive landmark step for our country and our society. I congratulate everyone who has waited so long for this day,” Vladimir Kara-Murza, the Institute’s senior advisor, told RIA Novosti.
Pavel Khodorkovsky has indicated through his representatives that for now, he is not commenting on the situation.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he had received a pardon request from Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and that he would soon sign the appropriate decree.
