Russia Slams Bout Extradition, Vows To Bring Him Home

[webfact]

Russia slams Bout extradition, vows to bring him home

MOSCOW, August 20, 2010 (AFP) - Russia on Friday angrily condemned a decision by a Thai court to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States, vowing to do everything so he could return to his homeland.

"We regret what is in my opinion an unjust decision, a political decision that the appeals court in Thailand has taken," Russian news agencies quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on a visit to Armenia.

In a thinly veiled reference to the United States, he added: "This decision, according to the information that we have, was taken under very strong pressure from the outside. This is sad."

"I assure you that we will continue to do everything necessary to obtain his return to the motherland."

Lavrov described Bout as a "Russian citizen" and said that Russian officials had over the last months provided him with assistance and had been in contact with his lawyers and family.

A Thai appeals court on Friday granted a request by the United States to extradite Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death", on terrorism charges.

Russia has consistently opposed Bout's extradition to the United States and also hit out at the media's presentation of him, emphasising that he is yet to be convicted.

The foreign ministry said last year that the media attacks on Bout were aimed at moving the case into the political realm with the aim of harming improving US-Russian relations.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-08-20

[webfact]

Viktor Bout: 'Merchant of Death' or air freight boss? - Profile

by Kelly Macnamara

BANGKOK, August 20, 2010 (AFP) - Using an array of aliases, former Soviet air force pilot Viktor Bout stands accused of fuelling some of the world's bloodiest conflicts by trafficking weapons across several continents.

In a career spanning two decades, the burly Russian allegedly stoked violence from Sierra Leone to Afghanistan by bartering deals for planes and guns.

The mustachioed Bout -- pronounced "boot" -- is thought to speak six languages and travel under various false names including "Boris" and "Vadim Markovich Aminov".

His notoriety inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War", starring Nicolas Cage, in which the anti-hero escaped justice.

Bout was apparently able to continue his trade despite sanctions from the United States and United Nations, until he was caught in a sting operation in March 2008 that was worthy of the silver screen.

The Russian was arrested at the five-star Sofitel hotel in Bangkok while negotiating with US agents posing as guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

After a two-year legal battle, Bout now looks set to stand trial after a Thai court ruled Friday he could be extradited to the United States, which accuses him of running a "massive weapons-trafficking business".

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on charges including conspiracy to kill US nationals and to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organisation.

Bout has maintained his innocence from the day he was picked up in the Thai capital after allegedly agreeing to supply surface-to-air missiles in a series of covert meetings that also took him to Denmark and Romania.

US prosecutors claim he agreed to the sale with the understanding that the weapons were to be used to attack United States helicopters.

But Bout has maintained that he has always run a legitimate air cargo business, and rejected press claims of involvement with Al-Qaeda.

Born in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe in 1967 when it was still under Soviet rule, Bout studied languages -- including English, French and Portuguese -- at Moscow's military institute for foreign languages before joining the air force.

He has repeatedly denied suggestions that he was a former KGB agent and that he bought weaponry, aircraft and helicopters at throwaway rates at the fall of the Soviet Union to supply to conflict zones.

Journalist Douglas Farah, who co-authored a book on Bout, has called him "a unique creature" born of the end of Communism and the rise of unbridled capitalism when the Berlin Wall came down in the early 1990s.

Former British foreign office minister Peter Hain dubbed him the "Merchant of Death", while Amnesty International has alleged that at one time he operated a fleet of more than 50 planes ferrying weapons around Africa.

US prosecutors say the arms he sold or brokered have fuelled conflicts and supported regimes in Afghanistan, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan.

He became the subject of UN sanctions over accusations that he supported former Liberian President Charles Taylor's regime in efforts "to destabilise Sierra Leone and gain illicit access to diamonds".

Taylor is currently on trial in the Hague charged with murder, rape and enslavement for his alleged role in the 1991-2001 civil war in Sierra Leone that claimed some 120,000 lives.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-08-20

[webfact]

Thailand moves to extradite ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout to US

BANGKOK, Aug 20 – An alleged Russian arms dealer, so-called ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout, jailed for nearly two-and-a-half years in Bangkok after his arrest in a US-led sting operation in March 2008, will appeal today’s ruling by a Thai appeals court reversing a lower court decision made one year ago to not extradite him to the United States to face prosecution as a terrorist.

In an highly emotional courtroom scene, Mr Bout’s lawyer stood by his client and his family promising to appeal to Their Majesties the King and Queen and other Thai authorities to reject the decision.

With international media suggesting that the US government has leaned heavily on the Thai government and courts to find for a criminal rather than a political ruling, the appeals court said the case was not political and that extradition under an existing Thai-US treaty could be granted.

One year ago Bangkok Criminal Court rejected the extradition bid by the United States, saying that in Thailand’s understanding that Mr Bout’s alleged attempted sale of US$700 million in arms to Colombian rebels was not political, but clearly a criminal case.

Overturning the lower court ruling, Thailand’s appeals court ruled that Mr Bout should go to New York City to face criminal charges within three months under the terms of Thailand’s extradition legislation.

With his wife and daughter looking on the detainee, shackled in leg irons, wept as he heard the verdict, resulting from US agents posing as Colombian rebels arranged to buy arms for their war against their central government.

Mr Bout is alleged to have supplied arms to numerous civil wars in Africa, South America and other place during a colourful career which began after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

A retired Soviet air force pilot, Mr Bout reputedly speaks six languages and has operated air transport services and sold aircraft acquired through extensive connections and specialised knowledge of military weaponry. (MCOT online news, agencies)

-- TNA 2010-08-20

[Jingthing]

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger.

[Heng]

Yeah, we'll let you go, just need one more payment first...

[nowork114]

I thought that arms traffickers, murderers and terrorists can get bail ... just need to promise no to run out of country, kill someone or burn down remaining of Central World

[starcandle]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

[marinediscoking]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

Never convicted of anything???? The Thai autorities caught him red handed trying to sell weapons in at a Bangkok hotel.

He should be sentenced to 20 years in a thai jail, but i think they don't want him.

Where are all the Russian arms used in Africa coming from then?

Many people also think the CIA caused the terror attacks on 9/11

[geriatrickid]

Mr. Bout hasn't been convicted because he has never been brought before a court where the magnitude of his African adventures have been examined. The Russians are not acting out of the goodness of their hearts, but are trying to prevent some very embarrassing revelations coming out at trial.

The USA may have done some stupid and illegal things over the years,. However, often the culprits are hauled before the US Congress or court systems and dealt with. The US media has also acted to expose the conduct of such people. When is the last time the Russians ever prosecuted someone for illegal arms shipments? When was the last time the Russian media exposed illegal arms sales? If the Russians were prepared to deal with the issue, the USA acting as representative for multiple concerned parties would not need to get involved. Accept the reality that if Mr. Bout had been an Australian, he'd have been nicked long ago. Even Karl Schreiber the alleged Airbrus bagman that destroyed the career of Canada's PM Mulroney over the allegations of kickbacks eventually had to face trial in Germany. In Russia, the state usually has a hand in illegal arms sales and that's the issue that needs to be hushed up.

[NamF0n]

Try googling "Gary McKinnon" to see how America works in its extradition procedure, please come back and tell me if you still support America!

America supplies weapons to all sorts of despicable depots as do the French, British and other major sellers of arms.

Complete hypocrisy i hope he walks.

[NamF0n]

In Russia, the state usually has a hand in illegal arms sales and that's the issue that needs to be hushed up.

Im sure youre right, but America creates gorilla armies and funds all their munitions to fight sovereign states, its something America has constantly done for years now.

Its hypocrisy nothing else.

[NamF0n]

In Russia, the state usually has a hand in illegal arms sales and that's the issue that needs to be hushed up.

Im sure youre right, but America creates gorilla armies and funds all their munitions to fight sovereign states, its something America has constantly done for years now.

Its hypocrisy nothing else.

PS it was American citizens that funded and armed the IRA and your govt who funded Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda etc etc...

[lannarebirth]

His notoriety inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War", starring Nicolas Cage, in which the anti-hero escaped justice.

Whatever his sins, I would sooner forgive Viktor Bout than whoever was responsible for producing that God-awful movie.

[webfact]

US hails Thai extradition order for Russian

WASHINGTON, August 20, 2010 (AFP) - The United States on Friday hailed Thailand's extradition order for an alleged Russian arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death" and said his prosecution would be an "utmost priority."

"We are extremely pleased that the Appeals Court in Thailand has granted the extradition of Viktor Bout to the United States," said acting Deputy Attorney General Gary Grindler.

"The prosecution of Viktor Bout is of utmost priority to the United States, but the criminal charges he faces are not solely an American concern," Grindler said.

He was speaking after an appeals court judge agreed to US requests for Bout's extradition, reversing a lower court decision and defying the anger of Russia.

"We have always felt that the facts of the case, the relevant Thai law and the terms of our bilateral extradition treaty clearly supported the extradition of Mr. Bout on these charges," Grindler said.

A US undercover sting in 2008 led to the arrest of Bout, a polyglot former Soviet air force pilot who is accused of flying weapons around the world.

He faces life in prison in the United States if convicted of charges including conspiracy to kill US nationals and to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

Bout, said to have inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War" starring Nicolas Cage, is accused by US prosecutors of selling arms that fueled conflicts in countries from Afghanistan to Liberia to Sudan.

He was arrested after allegedly agreeing to supply millions of dollars of weapons to undercover US agents in Thailand posing as rebels from Colombia's Marxist FARC group, which Washington considers a terrorist organization.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-08-20

[webfact]

PM: Thailand will deal carefully with alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout

BANGKOK, Aug 20 -- Prime Minsier Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government will carefully look into the details of the court ruling that suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout can be extradited to the United States as requested to face terrorism charges there and will make its final decision in accordance with legal aspects and agreements.

The premier said he was confident that the case would not have any impact on bilateral relations as the case must proceed according to the facts.

The court of appeals on Friday said Mr Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, must be extradited within three months, or else be permitted to go free, in keeping with Thailand's extradition rules, overturning a lower court's ruling in August 2009 that rejected a US request that he face trial there.

Mr Abhisit said the Thai agencies concerned would examine the details of the court's decision and the legal practices and agreement involved.

The prime minister said he believed the case would have no any impact on bilateral ties between Thailand and Russia although the suspect was Russian and the US demanded him to face trial in the US.

Thailand would try to clarify to the two countries that the case must proceed with facts and the kingdom must deal fairly to all sides involved. He asserted that the case was not political and that Thailand would not have to side with anybody, he said.

Asked whether US pressure will influence Thailand's decision to extradite the suspect, Mr Abhisit said there was no impact and the best thing was to deal with matter straightforwardly.

A US State Department spokesman reportedly said agency had called in Thai Ambassador Don Pramudwinai earlier this week "to emphasise that this is of the highest priority to the United States."

Russia on Friday angrily condemned a decision by a Thai court.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, quoted by international news agencies, called the decision "unlawful and political.''

Lavrov said the ruling was influenced by "very strong outside pressure'' but stopped short of mentioning the US.

He also vowed that Russia would do everything so that Mr Bout could return to his motherland.

Mr Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, has denied any involvement in illicit activities including arms trafficking to conflict zones in Africa, South America and the Middle East. He claimed he ran a legitimate business.

His arrest at a Bangkok luxury hotel in March 2008 was part of an elaborate sting in which US agents posed as arms buyers for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which the US government classifies as a terrorist organisation.

Mr Bout was subsequently indicted in the US on four terrorism-related charges that include conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to FARC.

The US indictment also charged Mr Bout with conspiring to kill Americans, conspiring to kill US officers or employees, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. He could face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

In August 2009, the Bangkok Criminal Court rejected a US extradition request. It said then that Thailand considers FARC a political movement and not a terrorist group, and that extradition under a Thai-US treaty could not be granted for a political offense.

But the appeals court had different opinion, saying that under Thai law the charges against Mr Bout were considered criminal, not political so he should be extradited and handed over to US authorities within three months. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-20

[soihok]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

Jingy is an American, thats why he says what he does here.

I agree with the poster on the previous topic related to this......it'll be a prison breakout of Hollywood proportions before he gets on a plane to the States, ( or Guantamino ((?)) Bay more like ).

[Jingthing]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

He isn't convicted yet. Let him stand trial. The USA does trials well, he will be well defended.

I was completely against the invasion of Iraq and believe it was the biggest foreign policy mistake in American history.

[basjke]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

He isn't convicted yet. Let him stand trial. The USA does trials well, he will be well defended.

I was completely against the invasion of Iraq and believe it was the biggest foreign policy mistake in American history.

Realy?I read in the newspapers every day that at guantenamo bay prisoners are locked up for years already without a trial or even evidence in most cases.

[Jingthing]

I meant regular trials. He is headed to Guantanamo? That would be different. Where is that written? I seriously doubt they would hold him there but if you can prove that is the plan, I would agree, I oppose that.

Edited August 20, 2010 by Jingthing

[basjke]

I meant regular trials. He is headed to Guantanamo? That would be different. Where is that written? I seriously doubt they would hold him there but if you can prove that is the plan, I would agree, I oppose that.

He is by the US classified as a terrorist as far as I understand.Isn't it so that all terrorists heading there?Especially the ones they want to get rid of without much poohaa.

[Jingthing]

I seriously doubt someone that high profile would be going to Guantanamo. That would be a PR nightmare. Obama isn't Bush. A public trial would be much more effective.

[soihok]

I think he'll go to Guantamino.

We could have a poll, in which case I'm with stick in the mud Bas.

[soihok]

But he will get busted out before that, or someone will leave the door to his cell open during the middle of the night, by accident.

I think he should stay where he is for many years, good enough for the git.

Edited August 20, 2010 by soihok

[gpdjohn]

But he will get busted out before that, or someone will leave the door to his cell open during the middle of the night, by accident.

I think he should stay where he is for many years, good enough for the git.

Where are you getting the LSD your taking?

[webfact]

Russia summons Thai envoy to protest Bout extradition

MOSCOW, August 20, 2010 (AFP) - The Russian foreign ministry on Friday summoned Thailand's ambassador to express its "extreme disappointment and bewilderment" at the verdict to extradite alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States.

The ministry said in a statement that Thai ambassador Chalermpol Thanchitt "was invited" for a meeting with Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin.

The Russian side made clear its "extreme disappointment and bewilderment about the politically motivated verdict of the Thai appeals court", it said.

It noted that the decision contradicted an earlier decision by a lower Thai court in August 2009 that had blocked the extradition "owing to insufficient evidence from the American side".

A Thai appeals court on Friday granted a request by the United States to extradite Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death", on terrorism charges.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-08-20

[drake]

He had also carries out its business with the private U.S. military service KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton.

Chairman of Halliburton was the future U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.....

Medias serve only what we should know – except Media like (blocked) wikileaks.

[moe666]

But he will get busted out before that, or someone will leave the door to his cell open during the middle of the night, by accident.

I think he should stay where he is for many years, good enough for the git.

Hate to disappoint but this was being said when he was arrested.

[COXYATCITY]

I think he'll go to Guantamino.

We could have a poll, in which case I'm with stick in the mud Bas.

I Thought Obama said last week Guantamino was to close soon,

send him where he belongs Russia,,,no way will he get a fair trial in America

i bet most Americans have found him guilty without going to court.Thailand be careful.it seems the vast majority of tourists are from Russia

that is if you care about the tourist industry..and please give us more baht for our money sterling that is.

[elcent]

why would a decent businessman use so many different aliases? He was not clean and probably just part of an even bigger conspiracy. Lets hope to see a transparent investigation and trial if any.

[kissdani]

W

This is a sad situation for Thailand. They don't deserve to be used as a political punching bag in a proxy dispute between the USA and Russia. Of course, I am on America's side on this and want this man to face a court trial, but this is a case where Thailand can't win, either way they anger a power they don't wish to anger

why are you on Americas side? this guy has never been convicted of anything, to my knowledge has never commited a crime against american citizens, I do believe that he has moved arms for the C I S

in covert operations when it suited America.

out of interest with hindsight, what is your opinion( with what you now know as fact) of America invading Iraq ?

He isn't convicted yet. Let him stand trial. The USA does trials well, he will be well defended.

I was completely against the invasion of Iraq and believe it was the biggest foreign policy mistake in American history.

Realy?I read in the newspapers every day that at guantenamo bay prisoners are locked up for years already without a trial or even evidence in most cases.

I am sure Bout would have sold or even had sold his weapons to all sides without discrimination anyone or chose a side. So what is the problem.

He didn't invade into other countries, started wars or dropped atomic bombs or committed any other war crimes some would call 'mistakes' in foreign policy.

And if he hadn't sold his weapons then someone else who have done the business. Maybe that is the problem.