Boris Berezovsky granted political asylum in Great Britain

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was granted political asylum in Great Britain yesterday.

According to the BBC this move will probably bring an end to any speculation about Mr Berezovsky's possible extradition to Russia. The initial announcement came from the Russian oligarch's London office. However, the British Home Office has still not made an official statement.

Mr Berezovsky has been living in London since 2000. In November 2002 the Russian Attorney General's Office made a request for his extradition to Russia in connection with allegations of money-laundering. Mr Berezovsky denies any wrongdoing and claims that the allegations against him are politically motivated. He first appealed to the British authorities for political asylum a year ago.