20 Dec 2013 09:27

No documents on Khodorkovsky's release have so far arrived at penitentiary - source

PETROZAVODSK. Dec 20 (Interfax) - Penitentiary No.7, located in the town of Segezha in Karelia, has not received any documents so far permitting the release of former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a source in law enforcement agencies told Interfax on Friday.

"The information available suggests that any documents [that would allow Khodorkovsky's release] have not arrived at the penal colony," he said.

A large number of journalists are expected to begin arriving in Segezha soon, an Interfax correspondent said.

Rooms are currently being booked at most local hotels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he had received a request from Khodorkovsky to pardon him and that he was going to grant the request.