Warsaw court delays extradition of Russian archaeologist to Ukraine amid defense challenges.
Court Postpones Extradition Decision
On Thursday, January 15, the District Court in Warsaw announced a decision regarding the extradition of Alexander Butiagin to Ukraine. The court decided to postpone the case.
Butiagin’s defenders requested the recusal of Judge Dariusz Łubowski, citing concerns about his impartiality. The case was postponed indefinitely until another judge is appointed.
Russian Archaeologist Detained in Poland
In December, Alexander Butiagin was detained in Poland by officers of the Internal Security Agency. The man was taken into custody. Ukrainian investigators requested Butiagin’s extradition.
Butiagin was head of the ancient archaeology department at the “Hermitage” museum in St. Petersburg. Ukrainian services suspect him of destroying cultural heritage objects. Archaeological work that Butiagin conducted on Russian-occupied Crimea led to losses exceeding 200 million hryvnia (equivalent to over 17 million zlotys).
Russia Demands Immediate Release
Russia demands the immediate release of Butiagin. According to the Kremlin, the accusations against him by Ukrainians are “absurd and politicized”.
On Monday, January 12, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski, to whom Moscow’s demands regarding the detained archaeologist were presented.
Butiagin Claims His Work Was for Humanity
Butiagin explained that his work in Crimea was “work for humanity”. He stated that extradition to the Ukrainian judiciary may threaten his health and life because he is Russian.
Butiagin’s defense attorney, mec. Adam Domański, stated that his client after the annexation of Crimea by Russia had no possibility of obtaining permits for archaeological work from Ukrainian authorities, so Russians issued approvals.
