Former oil mogul beats Russian extradition bid
A former senior figure in the Yukos oil company who was wanted by the Russian government on fraud charges will not be extradited, a judge ruled today.
Alexander Temerko, 39, who was the second most senior figure in the organisation, had been fighting removal from the UK on charges of conspiracy to defraud and pervert the course of justice.
At Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London today, Senior District Judge Timothy Workman ruled that the intended prosecution of Mr Temerko was “politically motivated”.
Mr Temerko was effectively the successor to the former Yukos head Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a political opponent of President Putin, who was jailed by a Russian Court in May.
Mr Temerko’s lawyers had argued that the attempt to extradite him was part of a wider attack on Khodorkovsky, his associates and the Yukos company.
In his ruling today Mr Workman said: “I am satisfied that the request for Mr Temerko’s extradition is in fact made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing him for his political opinions.
“I am satisfied that if he were extradited he would be prejudiced at his trial and punished or detained by reasons of his political opinions.”
Mr Workman ruled that his extradition was therefore barred under the Extradition Act and ordered his discharge.
In a statement issued after the hearing Mr Temerko said: “I am very grateful to the British Court for this fair Judgement. In contrast to the way Russia treats its defendants there was in my case fair and free debate and arguments for the accusers and defendant.
“I am also thankful to the expert witnesses who agreed to participate and give their evidence, often under great pressure and fear.
“They helped to convincingly demonstrate that my small case is another demonstration of continued unlawful persecution against people related to Khodorkovsky and Yukos.
“We know there is no such thing as a free or fair trial for these people in Russia, no unbiased investigation and that the State Authorities continue to behave with no regard for the rule of law, not accountable or punished for their acts.”
The legal counsel for the Russian Federation, which had formerly requested Mr Temerko’s extradition, said it was considering whether to appeal against the decision.
