Symphony dedicated to Khodorkovsky opens in Moscow
ailed former head of the Russian oil giant Yukos, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who is serving an eight-year sentence for a 2005 fraud and tax evasion conviction, is escorted to a courtroom in Moscow on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, during his second trial. Russia's mos

Symphony dedicated to Khodorkovsky opens in Moscow

Nov 6, 2009 at 22:28
MOSCOW (AP) — A symphony dedicated to Mikhail Khodorkovsky has premiered in Moscow in a rare show of support for the jailed tycoon in his native Russia.

Written by Estonian composer Arvo Part, Symphony 4 had its premier Friday at the Moscow Conservatory.

The 74-year-old Part said in a statement posted on the Web that the symphony was an attempt to reach out to Khodorkovsky and others imprisoned without rights in Russia.

Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man, is serving an eight-year sentence on fraud and tax evasion charges.

Supporters say he is being punished for challenging the political power of former President Vladimir Putin.

Khodorkovsky is now being tried on new charges of embezzlement and money laundering.