Daughter pays tribute to Berezovsky
The daughter of Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky who was found dead at his UK home has paid tribute to her father saying he was "an inspiration" to her and had a "joy for life".
An inquest heard this week that the 67-year-old was found lying on the floor of the bathroom at his home in Ascot, Berkshire, on March 23 with a ligature around his neck and a cause of death was given as "consistent with hanging".
His daughter, Arina Berezovsky, said in a statement released through Thames Valley Police: "I didn't know my dad very well but what I am sure of is that he really loved his family and that he was always happy around his children and grandchildren.
"His life was a turbulent roller-coaster with never-ending ordeals, and I admire the way in which he handled them with utter grace, control and most commendably honesty. Unfortunately, honesty does not 'cut it' in this corrupt world and is often mistaken for being manipulative; which my dad was not.
"He had a certain joy for life, which was beautifully refreshing, and never took anything he had for granted. His all-consuming determination for justice will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life and I aspire to one day have half the courage he did when standing up for his beliefs; even if he had to stand alone. My hopes for him now are that he is at peace and that he is happy."
The inquest opened on Thursday by Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford was adjourned until a date to be set.
Mr Berezovsky fell out with Russian President Vladimir Putin and often feared for his life - prompting speculation in Britain and Russia over the manner of his death.
Even though police said they have found no evidence that anyone else was involved, it has not stopped widespread speculation. Specialist officers in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances examined the country mansion in Mill Lane before declaring it safe.
Officers said they are speaking to the Russian's close friends and family to build up a picture of his state of mind in the last days of his life. It is thought that he was having serious financial difficulties after paying out astronomical sums in legal fees over the last few years, and wanted to return to Russia.
The oligarch, who last year lost a multibillion-pound High Court battle with Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, could have run up more than £100 million in legal bills since 2011.
