Georgian Lawmaker Will Not Be Extradited To Russia

Givi Targamadze is wanted as a suspected mastermind of unsanctioned antigovernment public protest in Moscow.

The Georgian prosecutor's representatives say that parliament deputy Givi Targamadze will not be extradited to Russia.

The statement comes after Russia's Investigative Committee announced on December 13 that Targamadze is wanted as a suspected mastermind of a violent antigovernment public protest in Moscow's Bolotnaya Square on May 6.

Sergei Udaltsov, a leader of Russia's opposition Left Front movement, and opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev were interrogated in October in connection with the May protests.

Investigators say Razvozzhayev turned himself in to the authorities and confessed that Targamadze financed the anti-Kremlin demonstration.

Razvozzhayev later retracted his confession, saying he was kidnapped, tortured, and forced to sign a confession.

Representatives of the Georgian prosecutor-general said on December 13 that the Georgian Constitution did not allow the extradition of Georgian citizens to other countries.

Based on reporting by Apsny.ge and "Izvestia"