Mikhail Khodorkovsky

M. Khodorkovsky is probably the most famous Russian dissident in exile alive. A successful businessman, he was head of YUKOS, one of the world’s largest oil producers. Criticising endemic corruption at a televised meeting with President Putin in early 2003 he was arrested later that same year, and jailed on charges of tax evasion and fraud, charges, which he denied and vigorously defended. Khodorkovsky was sentenced to fourteen years in prison. He was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International; and finally released in December 2013.

As a pioneering philanthropist, he established the Open Russia Foundation in 2001 with the aim of building and strengthening civil society in Russia. As the leader of the Russian opposition in exile, Khodorkovsky advocates for an alternative vision for his country.

Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney covered Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s life story in his latest film "Citizen K" which is currently featured on Amazon Prime.

Foreign rights: Europa/ Germany, Polity/ World English

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