This is what Kasparov has to say about the incident.
" The five days spent in captivity became a fundamentally new reference point in my relations with people. From behind bars, everything, as in chess, is seen in black and white – many expressed their solidarity, but there were also those who did ot pass the test of elementary decency. Anatoly Karpov made an attempt to visit me in prison - the solidarity of champions proved stronger than plitical and personal disagreements! He was not able to do this: the authorities, who did not allow any lawyers to see me, did not make an exception for Karpov. But in the new system of coordinates his goodwill gesture outweighed all the negative factors which had accumulated during our long years of confrontation. (emphasis added)"
from Kasparov vs. Karpov 1975-1985 (part two)
Until now I did not know about this. Amazing ! It makes me thing better of Karpov as a human being ! I have always thought well of him as a chess player and champion. If you want to know who your real friends are its the ones who come to you during adversity to help, or lend support. When you are moving real friends will offer to help ! I was always moved by the fact that the only player to visit Tal during a tournament in which Tal had to be hospitalized was Fischer ! I was unpleasantly surprised by the fact that none of his countrymen visited him in the hospital, they must have hearts of stone. Fischer seemed to have a true friendship with few soviet players and Tal was one of them.
Right you are! I have the book but haven't read it through, and didn't realize this gem was in the last chapter. Thanks!