Russia Charges Defector Soldier with Desertion

Russian soldier, Alexandr Glukhov, who left his military unit in breakaway South Ossetia and requested asylum in Georgia, has been officially charged with desertion by the Russian military prosecutor’s office, RIA Novosti news agency reported on March 17.

In his interviews with local and international media Glukhov, who deserted his unit in Akhalgori in late January, was citing “bad conditions” in the Russian army behind his decision.

Initially the Russian military officials denied that Glukhov went AWOL and instead claimed that he was detained and held by the Georgian law enforcement agencies. Later, however, the Russian sources confirmed Glukhov “has left his unit without permit.” Georgia has refused to hand over Glukhov and said it was considering his asylum application.

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