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Russia says "no" to extradition

Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW: Russia will not turn over businessman Andrei Lugovoi sought by Britain in the death of former security agent Alexander Litvinenko, but may prosecute him under Russian criminal law, a spokesperson for the Russian Prosecutor-General's office said.

"No Russian national can be extradited to another country under Article 61 of the Russian Constitution," spokeswoman Marina Gridneva told reporters on Tuesday.

She said Russian prosecutors will carefully study the British extradition request when it comes and "thoroughly study all charges against the Russian citizen."

The spokeswoman said Mr. Lugovoi may be prosecuted under Russian law if found guilty.

Russian prosecutors, who questioned fugitive billionaire Boris Berezovsky in London in March for his possible involvement in the poisoning, said he had refused to answer questions related to the financial aspects of his relations with Litvinenko.

The prosecutors said they may need to travel to Britain again for further investigation.

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