Britain grants asylum to Chechen rebel envoy wanted by Moscow

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, December 01, 2003

Britain grants asylum to Chechen rebel envoy wanted by Moscow

The British Home Office said Saturday it had granted asylum to Chechen rebel's envoy Akhmed Zakayev, who was wanted by Russia on 13 terrorism charges.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The British Home Office said Saturday it had granted asylum to Chechen rebel's envoy Akhmed Zakayev, who was wanted by Russia on 13 terrorism charges.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow.

"We can confirm that Mr Zakayev has been granted refugee status," a Home Office spokesman said.

Earlier this month, a London court turned down Russia's requestfor the extradition of Zakayev, claiming he would not get a fair trial and could even face torture in Russia.

At the time, Moscow responded immediately, accusing the court of exercising double standards and trying to politicize a criminalcase.

Zakayev, aged 44, has been accused by Moscow of a range of crimes including kidnapping, taking part in the murder of Russian soldiers and launching war between October 1995 and December 2000,when the rebels in Chechnya were fighting for independence from Russia.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Danish Police Put Zakayev in Prison

US needs to be fair with China: News analysis ( 5 Messages)

Mainland's serious warnings to Chen Shui-bian ( 10 Messages)

What's behind the resignation of Georgian president? ( 3 Messages)

Party meeting mulls China's economic work in 2004 ( 3 Messages)

US urged not to send wrong signal to Taiwan separatists ( 8 Messages)