Russia Accuses Georgia of Delaying Extradition of Alleged Chechen Militants

(Tbilisi. February 26, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement issued on February 26 says “Georgia deliberately hinders extradition of Chechen fighters to Russia.”

Court in Tbilisi discusses appeal of three alleged Chechen militants, demanding cancellation of the decision of the Georgian General Prosecutor’s Office concerning their extradition to Russia. 

“Georgian authorities use judicial means to delay extradition. Such a policy hinders process of improvement of the Russo-Georgian relations,” Russian Foreign Ministry statement reads.

Three alleged Chechen militants were detained in Georgia last August together with other 10 armed men, which infiltrated into Georgia from Russia’s rebel Chechen Republic.

After the Russia’s categorical demand Georgia extradited 5 out of 13 detained men. According to the Georgian law person can appeal court and demand cancellation of decision concerning the extradition.

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