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Russia Renews Berezovsky Extradition Bid


Boris Berezovsky (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) April 16, 2007 -- The Russian Prosecutor-General's Office has renewed an extradition bid for tycoon Boris Berezovsky following his call for the overthrow of President Vladimir Putin.


Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika today said he sent a request to Britain's Home Office asking for the extradition of Berezovsky to Russia and the revocation of his political asylum status in Britain.


Berezovsky said in an interview published on April 13 in "The Guardian" newspaper that he was seeking to foment a revolution and that "force" was needed to change the regime in Russia.


He said he was in contact with members of Russia's political elite who share his views.


If extradited to Russia and found guilty, Berezovsky could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.


A spokesman for Scotland Yard said police were studying whether the tycoon's comments broke any British laws.


(Interfax, ITAR-TASS, dpa)



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