Sofia Court Delays Ruling on Anti-Putin Activist’s Extradition

Sofia City Court on Wednesday postponed until October 21 its decision on Russia’s request for the extradition of anti-Putin activist Nikolai Kobliakov.

Until then Kobliakov will remain in Bulgaria. The court denied the request of Kobliakov’s lawyers to grant him permission to temporarily leave the country on assignments relating to his projects.

The court also decided to request Russian authorities to provide information whether the Russia has granted amnesty for the alleged wrongdoing Kobliakov is accused of.

According to the Russian prosecution, Kobliakov is suspected of having been involved in a EUR 1.2 M property fraud dating back to 2004-2005. According to human rights organisaitons, however, he is being prosecuted for political reasons. 

On Tuesday, Sofia Appeal Court released the Russian-French businessman and human rights activist from house arrest and instead banned him from leaving his place of residence without court permission pending decision of the extradition request.

Koblaikov, a prominent opponent of  Russian President Vladimir Putin and founder of French NGO Russie-Libertes, last week sought political asylum in Bulgaria. He has denied the charges and said he feared political repression by Russian authorities.

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