Russia not to extradite suspects in Litvinenko’s death

[lovuian]

http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/crimes/06-12-2006/85799-Litvinenko-0

Russia will not extradite suspects in the Alexander Litvinenko case to Britain, its chief prosecutor said today.




Prosecutor-General Yuri Chaika also insisted that the radioactive element used to poison the former spy could not have come from Russia.

In what is likely to be seen as a setback for Scotland Yard's investigation into Mr Litvinenko's death, Mr Chaika said it would be "impossible" for British investigators in Moscow to arrest Russian citizens in connection with the case, the Independent reports.

Any Russian citizens suspected of involvement would be tried in Russia, he said

His words contrasted with those of Prime Minister Tony Blair who insisted no political or diplomatic barrier would be allowed to stand in the way of the British investigation into Mr Litvinenko's death.

British police would also not be questioning officers of the Russian security service, the FSB. The Russian stance appeared to be at odds with that of Tony Blair, who has said no barrier would stand in the way of the British police inquiry, and of John Reid, the home secretary, who said yesterday that politics would not hinder the inquiry
more...
Russia isn't caring what Scotland Yard says...

[Kagemusha]

1. Because Russia's constitution does not permit extradition of citizens.

Blair's right - no political or diplomatic barrier will stand in the way. An impassable legal one shall instead.

Edit: I'm sure I read that in The Independent's online edition, a story from which the above article cited, but without quoting the part about the Russian constitution. As I'm no expert on it - Russian isn't one of my languages so I can't read it for myself - I'll just stand by what I saw unless it's proven wrong. I'm sure I read it but I just can't find the exact story (and archives are pay to search there IIRC).

[rpannier]

2. I see the Russian government holds bLiar in as high a regard as

scrubbie does.