Nadezhda Savchenko to be extradited to Ukraine within six months, her defender believes

On October 1, after the end of the court session in the case against of Nadezhda Savchenko, her defender Nikolai Polozov stated that the Ukrainian aviator, accused of involvement in the killings of Russian journalists, might be extradited to Ukraine and later released within six months, depending on the progress of the trial and the appeal.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Nadezhda Savchenko is accused of involvement in the killing of two employees of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (known as VGTRK) near Lugansk and illegal border crossing. The case against Nadezhda Savchenko is being considered at the Donetsk City Court in the Rostov Region. The defence insists on her innocence.

The Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" has included the name of Nadezhda Savchenko in the list of persons recognized as political prisoners.

Let us remind you that, according to the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the issue of extradition of Nadezhda Savchenko will be considered after the sentencing. The advocates of the Ukrainian aviator will have a chance to ask for her extradition to Ukraine as soon as the verdict comes into force.

"However, the verdict of acquittal is out of question," said Nikolai Polozov. And he continued: "It makes no sense for Russia to keep her here. The mission was to conduct a show trial, sentence Nadezhda Savchenko, and extradite her. And in Ukraine, she is a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada and a delegate of the PACE, and by definition, she cannot be brought to criminal responsibility."

"Once Nadezhda Savchenko is safe, she may be immediately released and awarded. I believe it can happen within six months or, perhaps, even sooner," the advocate has said.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.