Armenia unveils conditions for extradition of suspected deserter

A Russian detained in Yerevan at the request of Moscow, who is accused of desertion, can be extradited to Russia only if there is a request and sufficient grounds for extradition under international treaties.

RBC reports that the Armenian Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement to the media outlet.

"A few hours after the arrest the wanted person was released from custody. As for his extradition to the Russian Federation, it can be considered in the case of a petition for extradition in the presence of sufficient grounds for extradition, [provided by] the applicable international treaties," the Armenian General Prosecutor's Office stressed.

The police detained 23-year-old Yuri T. in Yerevan on April 7. According to the press service of the Armenian Interior Ministry, the Russian is wanted by the Moscow law enforcement agencies on charges of desertion.

Such a crime under Article 338 of the Criminal Code is punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years. In the case of desertion with a weapon, in an organized group and/or by prior conspiracy, the maximum sentence is ten years. For desertion during mobilization, martial law or combat operations, the Criminal Code provides for a penalty of up to 15 years.