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Russian Court Trims Oil Tycoon's Jail Term


Mikhail Khodorkovsky, left, and his co-defendant Platon Lebedev, (File photo).
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, left, and his co-defendant Platon Lebedev, (File photo).
Russia's highest court has reduced the sentences of former oil tycoon MIkhail Khhodorkovsky and his business partner, Platon Lebedev.

A judge for Russia's Supreme Court struck two months from their 11-year sentences Tuesday. They will now serve 10 years and 10 months.

Lawyers for both men have demanded their outright release, and they said they plan to appeal.

Khodorkovsky was convicted in 2005 on corruption and fraud charges, and in 2010 on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. Khodorkovsky and his supporters said the charges were politically motivated.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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