Russia seeks extradition of national from Cyprus

Police on Tuesday arrested a 35-year-old Russian national under an international warrant issued by the Russian Federation for terrorism-related charges.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday, with the United Nations reportedly handing the suspect over to Cypriot authorities, as he is believed to have been captured in the north.

On Wednesday, an application for the extradition of the 35-year-old of Chechen origin, was filed at the Nicosia district court.

The man is suspected of being a member of an extremist Islamist group linked to armed activities in the Middle East.

A court hearing is scheduled for September 2. However, Cypriot authorities need to approve the extradition request before it proceeds.

According to daily Phileleftheros, the 35-year-old is accused of participating in military groups in violation of Russian laws.

Reports also indicate the individual had been spotted in an Arab country in recent months, before moving to Turkey, and finally making his way to the north, where he was reportedly arrested.

A UN source told the Cyprus Mail that it is custom for the Cypriot authorities to ask for the assistance of the United Nations in apprehending wanted people in the north. The procedure, in similar cases, is for UN officials to contact the authorities in the north and, once the arrest of the wanted person is completed, to hand him or her over to the Republic’s authorities

Local reports are also alleging that the 35-year-old was first arrested in the occupied areas last December. The man is expected to engage in a legal battle to avoid extradition to Russia.

Under the law, documents regarding the international and local arrest warrants, as well as the details on which the Russian Federation seeks the suspect, must be submitted to the court before the extradition hearing begins.

The justice ministry’s consent is required in such cases. The extradition of fugitives to third countries is based on bilateral agreements between nations.