Russia to turn down Armenia’s request on extradition of ex-defense minister
Russia will not extradite former Armenian Defense Minister Mikayel Harutyunyan, currently under CIS interstate search, who is wanted as part of a criminal case launched into the tragic events of March 1-2, 2008 in capital Yerevan, Interfax reports, citing its sources.
Harutyunyan has been charged with ‘overthrowing the constitutional order’ during the March 2008 post-election crackdown in the capital, which left eight civilians and two police officers dead.
“The Russian law enforcement agencies have received a request on the extradition of former Armenian Defense Minister Mikayel Harutyunyan, which is being considered at the moment,” the news agency said.
According to the initial decision, the request will be rejected, since it has been established that Harutyunyan holds Russian citizenship since 2002. The source reminds that under the Russian Constitution, the country’s citizens are not extradited to foreign states, including for criminal prosecution.