OfLouis Ippolito
Mikhail Khodorkovsky in Rome: «I am very cautious about the confiscation of Russian property: like all dictators, Putin is a temporary event, while the right to property is eternal»
He was the richest and most powerful oligarch in Russia, whom Putin stripped of his assets, threw into a prison in Siberia and finally forced into exile in London: since then, he has become the soul of the exiled opposition to the tyrant of the Kremlin. And today Mikhail Khodorkovsky is in Rome, where he is being heard before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber in view of the G7.
One of the issues on the table of the Big Seven in Puglia will be the confiscation of Russian assets abroad to finance the Ukrainian resistance.
«I am very cautious about the confiscation of Russian property: because I believe that like all dictators, Putin is a temporary event, while the right to property is eternal. Confiscation of property is something possible, but it must take place within the framework of a judicial procedure. It will be a long procedure: for this reason palliative measures are needed in the meantime.”
Which?
«The interest that accrues on the assets of the attacking party can be used to help the defending party: this does not cross the red lines of what is acceptable. Or loans can be issued secured by those assets. While the direct confiscation of assets, outside of judicial proceedings, violates the red lines.”
Maybe Westerners want to use Russian assets because they are unable to tell the public that they have to pay out of their own pockets for freedom?
«I don’t want to say that the majority of the population is against aid to Ukraine, but there is a part of society that is reluctant to use its own money. In the context of an election campaign, this part of society is important.”
Some Italian parties, from government parties such as the Brothers of Italy and the League to the opposition 5 Star, abstained in Strasbourg on the resolution against Russian interference. What do you think?
(here he bursts out laughing) «We know that Italian society is not unanimous regarding its attitude towards Putin and Russia. Italian political parties have concerns about the electorate.”
Is Italy the West’s weak link?
«There is no doubt that Italy is one of the points where it is easiest for Putin to promote his interests. Among the large countries of Western Europe, Italy is one of the most vulnerable.”
What means does Putin use in Italy?
«I tried to understand what the problem is with the perception of Putin’s regime in Italy. I don’t want to say that Italy differs from other European countries from a historical point of view in its attitude towards Russia, France is very similar. But there is a media problem in Italy: to put it cautiously, the national media in Italy are not very strong on the issue. And this is the weak point for Putin’s propaganda. For the rest, there are corrupt politicians and businessmen with their own interests, as in other European countries.”
The confiscation of Ariston’s assets in Russia was greeted with surprise in Italy.
«I am very surprised that the Italians were surprised. Italy is a country that historically knows well what the mafia is and Russia is an example of a country controlled by the mafia. Why do you think that a country like Italy, which does not have much strength but which has valuable assets, can be safe? Those companies that are still in Russia must understand that they are not dealing with the rule of law: those CEOs who not only seem to want to take the risk, but do not seem to understand it, must understand this. But the population of an involved country, like Italy, should also understand it: they operate in a free hunting zone.”
May 7, 2024 (modified May 7, 2024 | 07:19)
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