Armenia To Consider Extradition Request For Chechen Accused Of Homosexuality

An Armenian court is to consider on May 24 the extradition of Chechen Salman Mukayev to Russia. Mukayev was detained by Chechen authorities on suspicion of homosexuality. He says he was tortured while in custody. A criminal case was initiated against Mukayev for illegal possession of weapons -- a charge human rights activists say is fabricated. Aleksandra Miroshnikova of the SK SOS rights group told RFE/RL that the Armenian authorities had refused to let Mukayev leave because he appears on a wanted list in Russia. "If the court decides on extradition, we are ready to appeal it at the European Court of Human Rights," Miroshnikova added. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.