Putin Opponent Mikhail Khodorkovsky Freed After 10 Years In Prison

Putin Critic Khodorkovsky Free After Pardon -- Reuters

* Putin signs decree pardoning Khodorkovsky
* Lawyer says former oil tycoon has left prison
* Investors welcome decision, impact limited

SEGEZHA, Russia, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man, left prison on Friday after a pardon from President Vladimir Putin ended a decade in jail that many saw as the fallen oil tycoon's punishment for daring to challenge the Kremlin.

His lawyer and a prison official said Khodorkovsky was free, a day after Putin unexpectedly announced he would release one of his most powerful critics. A government source said the move could deflect criticism over Putin's human rights record as Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics in February.

"He has left the camp. That's all I can say," lawyer Vadim Klyuvgant told Reuters by telephone. A prison official, also reached by telephone, confirmed that. Journalists outside the prison deep in the sub-Arctic forest did not see Khodorkovsky.

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