Moscow criticizes Norway's decision to extradite Russian citizen to U.S.
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 November 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moscow criticizes Norway's decision to extradite Russian citizen to U.S., 30 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a2c713.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 30, 2016
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
Russia has criticized Norway's decision to extradite a Russian citizen suspected of committing cybercrimes to the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on November 30 that the November 29 decision to extradite Mark Vartanian is "politically motivated" and will affect relations between Moscow and Oslo.
The case is "part of the worldwide hunting for Russian citizens by American secret services and has nothing to do with . . . justice," Zakharova said.
Vartanian, who worked for a Norwegian company in the city of Fredrikstad, was arrested in 2014 on Washington's request.
He is suspected of spreading dozens of files through the Internet in an effort to install a computer virus aimed at taking control of infected computers.
Vartanian denies any wrongdoing.
Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
