Mikhailov is a Greek surname
“You need to learn from my example how you can’t live,” said respected businessman Sergei Mikhailov at yesterday’s press conference.

Mikhailov arrived at the press conference in a black 600 Mercedes, accompanied by lawyer Sergei Pogramkov and the author of the book “Mikhailov or Mikhas” Oleg Yakubov. Later, copies of the book were distributed to everyone with gift autographs of the main character.
“Today we are not dealing with the personality of Mikhailov,” the entrepreneur immediately announced. “We are looking specifically at violations of the law. Today - Mikhailov, tomorrow - Ivanov or Sidorov. The same thing can happen to anyone. It’s scary.” It was quite strange to hear such a confession, especially from a person with such a reputation. “What happened,” explained Mikhailov, “was that the authorities defeated the law, that politics intervened and ulcers clearly appeared on the body of our society. The result was complete lawlessness.”
The essence of the complaints against the authorities boiled down to the following. Mikhailov was not allowed to participate in the State Duma elections. This happened in Taganrog. The reason is Greek citizenship hidden from the election commission.
— When and why did you receive Greek citizenship? — a Kommersant correspondent asked Mikhailov.
— Back in the early 90s, when Greek roots were discovered in my family tree.
After being withdrawn from the election race, Mikhailov and his lawyer appealed the decision of the election commission in various courts, until a few days ago the Supreme Court confirmed that the claims against the candidate were justified. Apparently, this was the main reason why Mikhailov, who had previously avoided journalists, decided to hold a press conference. “I don’t rule out that we will go to the human rights court in Strasbourg. I’m used to seeing everything through to the end,” the businessman announced.
However, from further explanations it remains unclear why Mikhailov needs the State Duma. “I won’t be insanely persistent,” he admitted. “It’s not my fixed idea to become a deputy. I don’t really need it. Everything is fine with me. I just wanted to show that I want to work.” And he continued: “I will find a place where I will be in demand. As an official or as a businessman.”
Mikhailov also has complaints against the Swiss authorities. Especially after he served more than two years in a Geneva prison on charges of leading the Solntsevo group. “Having lived in Switzerland and spent time in a Swiss prison,” Mikhailov admitted, “I can say that the local justice system is a priori opposed to Russians. For them, the word 'Russian' is like 'red' for a bull.”
After Mikhailov was acquitted by a Swiss court and deported to Russia, he filed a claim for compensation for moral and material damage. But he is not allowed to attend the trial - Switzerland refused an entry visa. Moreover, as Mikhailov told a Kommersant correspondent, he is now practically restricted from traveling abroad. None of the European countries wants to see him on their territory. “For now I can only go to the Czech Republic,” he complained.

DMITRY Kommersant-PAVLOV

Newspaper "Kommersant" No. 18 dated 02/05/2000, p. 2