Russian cavaliers of the Order of the Legion of Honor (the highest French award for services to the country) are asked to release Kerimov from custody and allow him to return to Russia for the duration of the investigation. They addressed the relevant letter to French President Emmanuel Macron and was sent to the French embassy in Moscow.

The letter was signed by businessman Mikhail Prokhorov, his sister and publisher Irina Prokhorova, Sberbank president Herman Gref, conductors Valery Gergiev and Yury Bashmet, filmmakers Andrey Konchalovsky and Pavel Lungin, and former general director of the Bolshoi Theater Anatoly Iksanov, ex-president of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Osipov, sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, polar explorer Artur Chilingarov, art critic Olga Sviblova and writer Viktor Erofeev.

Representative Prokhorov confirmed that the businessman signed a letter.

The authors of the letter draw attention to the charitable activities of Kerimov and his health problems. In addition, they urge the French government to adhere to the strict framework of the law in considering this case and remind that in Russia he is a senator.

Mikhail Prokhorov in the letter reminded that in 2007 he was detained in the French resort of Courchevel and was released three days later without showing any charges. "I know from my own experience that the judicial system of France is built on the observance of the guarantees provided for by law and the principles of the rule of law," Prokhorov said in the letter. Kerimov respects the observance of the law with respect, and therefore will cooperate with the investigation, it is noted there.

Kerimov was detained at Nice airport on the evening of November 20. The French authorities have brought charges against the Russian senator for tax evasion and money laundering. On November 23, the court released Kerimov on bail of € 5 million. He has no right to leave the territory of France.