20 Dec 2013 12:15

Khodorkovsky's release from prison to be triumph for Russia - lawyer

WASHINGTON DC. Dec 20 (Interfax) - The release from prison of former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin on Friday, will be a landmark event for Russia, Khodorkovsky's U.S. lawyer Robert Amsterdam wrote on Twitter.

"The release of Khodorkovsky would be a triumph for Russia," he posted.

The Russian president said on Thursday that Khodorkovsky had asked for pardon and his request would be granted.

Putin signed the pardon decree on Friday.