Press release concerning the Russian request for extradition of Mr Akhmed Zakaev03.12.2002
On 30 October 2002 the Russian national Mr Akhmed Zakaev was arrested by
the Copenhagen Police on the basis of an international arrest warrant
issued by the Russian authorities.
Since then, Mr Zakaev has been detained in Denmark following a court
order.
On 31 October 2002, the Russian authorities requested the extradition of
Mr Zakaev for prosecution in Russia.
According to information received from the Russian authorities, Mr
Zakaev is charged with several violations of the Russian Criminal Code,
including the establishment of illegal armed units, participation in
armed rebellion and killings, in the period from 1996 to 1999.
In accordance with a Danish reservation to the European Convention from
1957 on Extradition, the Danish Ministry of Justice has requested the
Russian authorities to provide evidence that supports the criminal
charges against Mr Zakaev.
After having examined the Russian request for extradition as well as the
documentation and evidence, including a number of witness statements,
which has subsequently been provided by the Russian authorities, the
Danish Ministry of Justice has today decided, that the Russian request -
as presented to the Danish authorities - can not be complied with under
Danish law and the European Convention from 1957 on Extradition.
Taking into account the character and the content of the witness
statements as well as the circumstances in relation to these statements,
the Danish Ministry of Justice has found the evidence to be insufficient
in order to allow for extradition.
The decision has been communicated to the Russian authorities as well as
to Mr Zakaev, who has been released from custody and is now free to
leave Denmark.
Source: Danish Justice Ministry
P.S.: The full text of the ministry's decision is available here. (T) RELATED ARTICLES:
· Russian request for extradition of Akhmed Zakhaev (statement of November 1)
· Arrest of Mr. Akhmed Zakaev (statement of October 30)
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