Voices of Ukraine

Photo report from the Ukrainian capital.

Former Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky visited protesters today on Kyiv’s Maidan (Independence Square), the center of three months of Ukrainian anti-government demonstrations and unrest which saw fierce battles between pro-governement riot police forces and protesters, leaving over 100 dead, and resulting in a change to an interim government, with the former President of Ukraine abnegating responsibilities and fleeing the country to Russia.

Khodorkovsky was once Russia’s richest man and a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin before his jailing for white-collar crimes, a move condemned as politically motivated by a number of western governments and rights groups. His legal battles began after he started funding the Russian opposition. He pleaded not guilty in his 2 trials. Khodorkovsky was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin on December 20, 2013 after spending more than 10 years in prison for fraud and tax evasion. Khodorkovsky said he came so to see what was going on in Ukraine. And he paid his respects to protesters killed in the February clashes with police during the final days of Yanukovych’s presidency.

09.03.2014
Translated by Voices of Ukraine
Source: http://www.khodorkovsky.ru/news/2014/03/09/18724.html

Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s press secretary Olga Pispanen, on Facebook: 

“Night on Maidan. The barricades. Here people died defending their dignity.” MBH

Mikhail Khodorkovsky with Yuriy Lutsenko

“At the police headquarters. Here they do not like Putin, but not other Russians.” MBH

“The former Interior Minister, who is also a former political prisoner, who is also one of the leaders on Maidan – Lutsenko – and one of the night duty.” MBH

“In the hostel on Maidan. Former Afghan soldiers. Are they fascists? -Shame …” MBH

“Tonight on Maidan (Independence Square). On the alley of Fallen Heroes. Here snipers killed dozens of people. Here internal troops fired automatic rifles in close range combat. Here, even at night, walk dozens of witnesses. Here is a sea of ​​flowers and candles.” MBH

“In the hostel dormitory on Maidan. A Crimean Tatar, a western Ukrainian and his daughter. Here they do not like Putin, but not Russia.” MBH

“Night on Maidan. A Russian from Komi. He’s here because of his Ukrainian friends.” MBH

“In the hostel, more former soldiers from Afghanistan on Maidan. They ask for an autograph. I would not recommend calling them fascists. These are serious men. Russians and Ukrainians. They came out against their corrupt government. They feel sorry for us.” MBH

On March 10, tomorrow, at the Kiev Polytechnic Institute, Mikhail Khodorkovsky will give a public lecture on “Rights and freedoms.” The lecture begins at noon and is open to the public.

Additional photos:

http://www.echo.msk.ru/blog/echomsk/1275322-echo/

http://glavred.info/politika/hodorkovskiy-priletel-v-kiev-i-prishel-na-maydan-opublikovano-foto-273485.html

http://glavred.info/stolica/kak-hodorkovskiy-hodil-na-maydan-opublikovany-novye-foto-273489.html