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UK Demands Extradition in Spy Poisoning

Moscow balks as focus of Litvinenko case turns to fellow ex-KGB agent

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2007 8:47 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The poisoning death of spy-turned-dissident Alexander Litvinenko was the work of another ex-KGB operative, the British government says, and it wants the accused charged and extradited. But Moscow refuses to deliver him, the BBC reports, saying that would violate the Russian constitution. Litvinenko was a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin, whom he accused on his deathbed of ordering his murder.

Andrei Lugovoi, the focus of the UK investigation, denies involvement. The investigation has strained already difficult relations between the UK and Russia, which don't appear to be warming. A spokesman responded to the government recommendation by saying the Kremlin is waiting for the "British side to actually do something rather than make statements."

Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer speaks to the media in Moscow, in this Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer speaks to the media in Moscow, in this Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)   (Associated Press)
Alexander Litvinenko, former KGB spy and author of the book Blowing Up Russia
Alexander Litvinenko, former KGB spy and author of the book "Blowing Up Russia   (Associated Press)
Britain's Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald announces his decision in London, Tuesday May 22, 2007, in the Alexander Litvinenko case. British officials said Tuesday that they will seek the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi from Russia to face a charge of murder in the poisoning death of former Soviet agent...
Britain's Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald announces his decision in London, Tuesday May 22, 2007, in the Alexander Litvinenko case. British officials said Tuesday that they will seek the...   (Associated Press)
Marina Litvinenko, widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko who was poisoned by radioactive Polonium 210, speaks to the media during the launch of the Litvinenko Justice Foundation in London, Tuesday, April 3, 2007. The wife and friends of former Russian security agent Alexander Litvinenko began a campaign Tuesday to...
Marina Litvinenko, widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko who was poisoned by radioactive Polonium 210, speaks to the media during the launch of the Litvinenko Justice Foundation in London,...   (Associated Press)
A man carrying a Geiger counter wears protective clothing as...
A man carrying a Geiger counter wears protective clothing as...   (Getty Images)
Former Russian Agent Poisoned In London
Former Russian Agent Poisoned In London   (Getty Images)
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More details, including the Russian investigation
Reuters

Prepare for "a long, tortuous, probably ugly, and ultimately hopeless, attempt to get Lugovoi into a British court to stand trial."
Guardian (UK)

 
Russia • Alexander Litvinenko • United Kingdom • Vladimir Putin • Andrei Lugovoi • KGB

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