Warsaw court postpones extradition of Russian archaeologist Aleksander Butiagin to Ukraine amid impartiality concerns.
Court Postpones Extradition
On Thursday, January 15, the District Court in Warsaw announced its decision regarding the extradition of Russian scientist Aleksander Butiagin to Ukraine. The court decided to postpone the case indefinitely.
Butiagin’s defense requested the recusal of Judge Dariusz Łubowski, citing concerns about his impartiality. The case was postponed until another judge is appointed.
Arrest and Charges
In December, Aleksander Butiagin was arrested in Poland by officers of the Internal Security Agency (ABW). The Russian archaeologist, who headed the ancient archaeology department at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, is accused by Ukrainian authorities of destroying cultural heritage objects.
Archaeological work conducted by Butiagin in Russian-occupied Crimea allegedly caused damages exceeding 200 million hryvnia (equivalent to more than 17 million zloty).
Russia’s Position
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, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski to present Moscow’s demands regarding the detained archaeologist.
Butiagin’s Defense
Butiagin explained that his work in Crimea was “for humanity.” “Extraditing me to the Ukrainian justice system could threaten my health and life because I am Russian,” the archaeologist told the court, as quoted by RMF24. Butiagin’s lawyer, mec. Adam Domański, stated that his client, following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, was unable to obtain Ukrainian permits for archaeological work, so permissions were issued by Russian authorities.