Russia rejects extradition of suspect in poisoning case

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-23-2007 09:55

Andrei Lugovoi

Russia has rejected the extradition of ex-KGB agent Andrei Lugovoi. This, after British prosecutors brought charges against him for poisoning former secret agent Alexander Litvinenko, last November. Lugovoi -- a former Soviet secret agent -- dismissed Britain's accusation, denying any involvement in the poisoning.

The British prosecution service said early on Tuesday that it would seek the extradition of Lugovoi from Russia. This, after finding enough evidence to charge him with the murder of Litvinenko. The announcement triggered instant diplomatic repercussions.

Margaret Beckett, British foreign secretary, said, "We're seeking the fullest cooperation from the Russian authorities to bring a proper trial in the British courts for what, as I say, was a very serious crime."

Russian prosecutors say they will not turn over Lugovoi. But that he could be tried in Russia.

Marina Gridneva, spokesperson, Russian prosecutor-general office, said, "According to Russian law, a citizen of Russia cannot be extradited to another state Russian citizens who commit crime on the territory of a foreign state can be charged with criminal offence on the grounds of evidence, but only on Russian territory."

Litvinenko's widow Marina said she hoped that Lugovoi would be brought to Britain for justice. However, Lugovoi said on Tuesday that he's not guilty. He called Britain's charges inadequate and groundless.

Lugovoi and Litvinenko met last November in a London hotel. Litvinenko fell ill later on the same day. He died three weeks later of radioactive poisoning, later identified as Polonium 210.

Experts investigating the case found radiation traces at a dozen locations. And also on two British Airways planes that flew the Moscow-London route. Shortly before his death, Litvinenko accused the Kremlin of orchestrating his poisoning.

Moscow has denied any accusations relating to the charge. The former KGB agent fled to Britain in 2000 and was granted asylum. Several weeks before his death, Litvinenko became a British citizen.

Editor:Du Xiaodan