GDANSK, Poland (AP) Solidarity founder Lech Walesa has given a $100,000 human rights award to the son of imprisoned Russian tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
The award was bestowed on Khodorkovsky in recognition of his efforts to build a free economy and civil society. In a ceremony on Sunday, Khodorkovsky's son, Pavel, received the award for his father who remains imprisoned.
Once Russia's richest man, Khodorkovsky has been convicted in two separate trials in Russia of evading taxes and stealing oil from his own company and laundering the proceeds. He is due for release in 2014.
His case is seen as President Vladimir Putin's punishment for his political ambitions and support for the opposition.
Walesa has withdrawn from active politics but supports democracy efforts across the world. He turns 70 on Sunday.
