A judge in Poland has ruled that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin can be extradited to Ukraine, although his defence says he will appeal. Butyagin is being held in a Warsaw prison for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and plundering artefacts from the ancient city of Myrmekion in Crimea—Ukraine's peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. If Judge Dariusz Łubowski's ruling is upheld, a final decision on extradition will rest with Poland's justice minister.
Butyagin—arrested in Poland at Ukraine's request in December—denies all the allegations. If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail. Russia has demanded his immediate release, saying the case is politically motivated. In previous cases, European courts have often refused to extradite Russians to Ukraine, citing potential violations of human rights.
Butyagin's lawyer argues that his client's life and wellbeing would be at risk if extradited to Ukraine. The archaeologist's controversial work involves excavations at archaeological sites, which have been ongoing since the annexation of Crimea and continue despite lacking consent from Ukraine. He is accused of plundering artefacts, including gold coins, with total damages exceeding $4.5 million.
Butyagin's case highlights the complexities of international law amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The legal proceedings will determine the next steps for the archaeologist, who remains in detention as he awaits his fate.
Butyagin—arrested in Poland at Ukraine's request in December—denies all the allegations. If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail. Russia has demanded his immediate release, saying the case is politically motivated. In previous cases, European courts have often refused to extradite Russians to Ukraine, citing potential violations of human rights.
Butyagin's lawyer argues that his client's life and wellbeing would be at risk if extradited to Ukraine. The archaeologist's controversial work involves excavations at archaeological sites, which have been ongoing since the annexation of Crimea and continue despite lacking consent from Ukraine. He is accused of plundering artefacts, including gold coins, with total damages exceeding $4.5 million.
Butyagin's case highlights the complexities of international law amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The legal proceedings will determine the next steps for the archaeologist, who remains in detention as he awaits his fate.
