Former Russian oligarch to sue government for $1bn

Former Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky granted political asylum in Great Britain intends to seek more than $1bn in damages from the Russian government over the alleged appropriation of his assets in the media, mining and oil industries, he told The Financial Times. Berezovsky said he was forced to sell stakes in Russian national broadcasters ORT and TV6, as well as oil group Sibneft after criticizing the Kremlin's policy, says the newspaper.

According to The Financial Times, Berezovsky's lawyers are preparing damage claims in the UK High Court and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

"We will go the British courts for compensation and be ready to present in the European court [of human rights] not later than February," the oligarch told The Financial Times.

These legal actions follow a similar move by Vladimir Gusinsky, the former head of Russia's NTV broadcaster. He filed a lawsuit in the European Court of Human Rights claiming false imprisonment three years ago, while considering a separate damages claim in the US, says The Financial Times.