Russia: Khodorkovsky's group to support media startups
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Khodorkovsky's group to support media startups, 29 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189e1e13.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 29, 2016
Exiled Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky (file photo)
A pro-democracy group founded by exiled Kremlin critic and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky has launched a project to fund online media startups.
Open Russia said on September 29 that the goal of the project was "to create communication channels within the part of the Russian society that considers itself independent from the government's support."
Selected online media startups are to receive 30 million rubles ($470,000) each to begin their activities as of December this year.
Khodorkovsky told RBK television channel that the startups should focus on investigative journalism.
Once Russia's richest man as the chief executive of its most important oil firm, Yukos, Khodorkovsky spent 10 years in a Siberian prison on tax evasion and embezzlement charges, which he says were politically motivated.
He left Russia for Europe after Putin pardoned him in December 2013. He lives mainly in Switzerland and Britain.
With reporting by RBK
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
