Georgian MFA Demands Extradition of Russian Officer

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has handed a note to Russian embassy officials ?categorically demanding the extradition? of an officer from the Russian military intelligence service.

?Konstantine Pichugin, who is suspected of espionage, is currently sheltered in the Headquarters of the Russian Troops in Trans-Caucasus in Tbilisi,? the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on September 28.

The Georgian police continue to cordon off the Headquarters in Tbilisi.

The Georgian side has also informed Russia about the motives behind the arrest of four other Russian officers who were detained on September 27 for alleged spying, according to the Georgian Foreign Ministry.

Representatives of the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi have already met with the arrested officers.
 
Spokesperson for the Russian Embassy Mikhail Svirin said on September 28 that the arrested Russian officers are ?in normal condition? and Georgian law enforcers are ?well disposed towards them.?

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