Khodorkovsky’s release: a view from Berlin

By Vestnik Kavkaza

On the Christmas Eve official Berlin has all reasons for the holiday spirit. Finally coalition talks between CDU/CSU and social democrats are finished; and the new cabinet was composed in Germany. At the same time, Berlin marked symbolic diplomatic breakthrough in relations with Russia in the context of the events in Ukraine, which are not favorable for Europe. I.e. the release of Mikhail Khdorkovsky can reduce tension in Russian-German relations.

It is known that the amnesty of the former head of UKOS, disgraced Russian oligarch and his moving to Germany was agreed between the German authorities and the Kremlin. The former foreign minister of Germany Hans Dietrich Genscher who is still one of the closes aides of German Chancellor played a key role in the talks between Berlin and Moscow on Khodorkovsky’s fate.

86-year old Gensher told the Public Television of Germany that for the first time Khodorkovsky’s lawyers got in touch with him in 2012 through the director of Checkpoint Charley, Berlin’s museum; they addressed him for help. “I agreed. If I can help someone who is kept in prison under the circumstances, the decision is obvious for me,” the German politician said. He expressed special satisfaction from active efforts by the federal government of Germany: “When you try to solve such a problem, you need governmental support, especially considering the fact that Berlin’s word has weight in Moscow.”

Due to the German government’s efforts, Genscher had an opportunity to meet President Putin and discuss Khodorkovsky’s case with him. Genscher knew about Khodorkovsky’s prepared release several months ahead it. It was told the German mass media by an old friend of the former minister, businessman, and pilot Ulrich Betterman. He carried Khodorkovsky by private plane to Berlin.

Meanwhile, the fact that Khodorkovsky actually got an asylum in Germany stirred up discussions of giving a political asylum to the former American secret agent Edward Snowden who is wanted by the American authorities. The chairman of the Lefts, Brend Riksinger, told Passauer Neue Zeitung that “ways out are found when there is a political will.” According to him, Snowden did a lot for Germany, and the government should use all legal opportunities to give an asylum to him. However, it seems in the USA Berlin has much less opportunities for realization of its “value policy” than in Russia.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s release is not the only step by the Kremlin, which will enable improvement of its image in the West. Amnesty for members of the scandalous group Pussy Riot puts a period to another topic which found resonance in Europe, especially in Germany.