Mikhail Khodorkovsky, 2003 News

Russian oil tycoon, was arrested and jailed in October on charges of fraud and tax evasion. He resigned as president and chief executive of the oil company Yukos while in prison. The government also seized the 44% of the company owned by Khodorkovsky. Many considered the moves retaliation for his outspoken opposition to President Vladimir Putin, and for his support of opposition figures. Khodorkovsky, Russia's wealthiest man, had reportedly mulled a run in the upcoming presidential elections.


2003 People in the News