Russia: No Extradition of Spy-Poisoning Suspects

Russian Prosecutor-General Yuri Chaika has announced that his country will not extradite suspects in the death of Alexander Litvinenko (pictured), a former KGB spy that died of radioactive poisoning in Britain. British investigators are looking into Andrei Lugovoi, another former KGB officer, who met Litvinenko on the day he was allegedly poisoned. Russia says that they will interview Lugovoi as part of its cooperative effort with Britain. Chaika insists that the polonium 210 which killed Litvinenko could not have come from Russia, but if any Russians were involved they would be tried in Russia.

Russia's words contrast with those of British Prime Minister Tony Blair who said politics and diplomacy would not interfere with the investigation. British Home Secretary John Reid also said politics would not get in the way and that "Russian authorities had promised their full support." Hmm, promising not to extradite, insisting the polonium could not have come from Russia before investigating completely and offering to interview Lugovoi for them? Yep, sounds like full support to me. Absolutely no political or diplomatic problems here.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Litvinenko wrote a book describing Vladimir Putin's ascension to President as a coup d'état? Or that he said the government bombed apartment buildings in Moscow and other Russian cities, then blamed them on Chechen rebels so Russia could use military force in Chechnya? Clearly there is nothing for Russia to cover up.