Zakayev Kept On Bail
London (AP) – A British judge on Thursday ordered that Chechen rebel envoy Akhmed Zakayev, who is accused by Russia of crimes including mass murder, remain on bail while the British government considers whether extradition proceedings should continue.
At Moscow’s request, police arrested Zakayev, an aide to Chechen rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov, at London’s Heathrow airport on Dec. 5. He was freed the next day after posting £50,000 ($78,500) bail.
On Thursday, Judge Timothy Workman ruled that Zakayev could remain at liberty, and during a brief administrative hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London, adjourned the case until Jan. 31.
“The court has received a request from the Home Office for further time”, Workman said, adding that he could not proceed with the extradition hearing without the authority of Home Secretary David Blunkett.
