Bulgarian Court Rejects Kobliakov Extradition Request from Russia

Crime | October 21, 2014, Tuesday // 12:35|  views

Photo by BGNES

Sofia City Court has refused to allow the extradition of businessman and activist Nikolai Kobliakov to Russia.

Magistrates announced Kobliakov, whom Russian authorities have indicted over his alleged involvement in a EUR 1.2 M fraud, could be put in an aggravated situation if he returned to Russia due to his political convictions, the website News.bg reported.

They added explanations provided from Russian officials about his alleged criminal activity were not sufficient for them to hand him over to Moscow, since it was not clear "what kind of an offense" he was accused of.

Kobliakov is often described by his colleagues and himself as an activist and dissident persecuted by Moscow due to his criticism for President Vladimir Putin's policies.

The Russian-French citizen, who had earlier requested political asylum in Bulgaria can now remain here avoiding legal persecution. He has maintained he is in the country to do business, building homes for elderly people.

Tuesday's ruling can be appealed before the Sofia Court of Appeals.

However, it is unclear whether the prosecution will seek such a step after it made an unexpected turn in its statement just hours before the court ruling was announced.

Prosecutors surprisingly announced Tuesday morning they would not demand the extradition of Kobliakov anymore, adding Russia was not a state governed by the rule of law and could not ensure a fair trial.

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Tags: Nikolai Kobliakov, Russia, Sofia City Court, fraud, extradition

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