Berezovsky tried in absentia in Moscow

MOSCOW, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Political refugee Boris Berezovsky is being tried in absentia in Moscow for allegedly stealing $8.3 million from Aeroflot, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian businessman and Kremlin critic was granted political refugee status in Britain, which has denied Russia’s request for extradition.

Berezovsky, who is accused of embezzlement and money laundering, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He is being represented by court-appointed lawyer Alexander Dudkin, the Kommersant news service said.