MOSCOW (AP) — Mikhail Khodorkovsky's former cellmate has told a Russian online publication that authorities forced him to attack the jailed tycoon and falsify a sexual harassment suit.
Alexander Kuchma — who served part of his seven-year sentence for armed robbery in a Siberian jail with Khodorkovsky — cut the tycoon’s face with a sharp object in April 2006.
Kuchma told Gazeta.ru Monday that he was "beaten, tortured and had his arm broken" by Chita prison authorities to force him to attack Khodorkovsky.
Kuchma also said his sexual harassment suit against the tycoon was falsified to "pour dirt" on Khodorkovsky.
Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail after two trials seen as punishment for his political ambitions.
