Summary
A Polish judge has ruled that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin can be sent to Ukraine to face trial. Butyagin is accused of illegally excavating and taking artefacts from Crimea. He denies the charges and plans to appeal the extradition decision.
Key Facts
- Alexander Butyagin is a Russian archaeologist held in Poland.
- He faces allegations of illegal excavations and artefact theft in Crimea.
- Poland's justice minister will make the final decision on extradition if the judge's ruling is upheld.
- Butyagin was arrested in December upon Ukraine's request.
- Russia claims the case against Butyagin is politically motivated and has requested his release.
- If found guilty, Butyagin could face up to five years in prison.
- The European Convention on Human Rights is a concern in extradition cases involving Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukraine and many European countries follow the 2nd protocol to The Hague Convention, which Russia does not.
