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Former Russian economy minister hopes for acquittal in bribery case

Like in his last plea, the former minister again expressed regret over "duplicity, doublespeak and compromises," which he used to have

Alexey Ulyukayev Sergei Bobylev/TASS

Alexey Ulyukayev

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russia’s Former Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev, who is in the dock for extorting a $2 million bribe, has again told the court he hopes to be acquitted.

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"I hope for acquittal," Ulyukayev told reporters before Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky court is set to announce the verdict on Friday.

Like in his last plea, the former minister again expressed regret over "duplicity, doublespeak and compromises," which he used to have.

"My life has changed, a big part of scab has been removed," he noted.

Ulyukayev said some people came to him during his walks, which had been allowed by the court, and expressed the words of support: "In any case, I will live a long and happy life, whatever verdict is announced," he said.

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