Khodorkovsky a “Paragon of Dignity and Courage,” Says Akunin
The celebrated Russian author and opposition activist Boris Akunin sat down for lunch with the Financial Times this weekend, sharing a number of wide ranging observations on everything from literature to politics.
Akunin, who in past engaged in a fascinating correspondence with Mikhail Khodorkovsky that was published in GQ, is not shy about his disagreements with the current Russian leadership, and was a regular fixture on stage during the multitudinous Moscow protests in December 2011.
Speaking with the FT about his fictional character Erast Fandorin, a daring detective known for his stoic calmness in the face of chaos, the comparison with Khodorkovsky comes up.
“Khodorkovsky really is like someone you would write about in a novel: the richest man in Russia being thrown into prison and becoming a paragon of dignity and courage,” Akunin tells the FT. “Now he is one of the freest men in Russia, even if he is in prison. (…) All the other oligarchs are bound to the Kremlin hand and foot.”
Akunin, however, is not sanguine on the prospects of an early release for Khodorkovsky following Vladimir Putin’s recent indirect comments.
“I am absolutely sure that Putin will not release Khodorkovsky while he is in power. He never forgets or forgives. Khodorkovsky’s behaviour is a constant challenge to him,” he says.
