Ukrainian oligarch Firtash tries to avoid extradition to the US
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Ukrainian oligarch Dmitry Firtash is actively trying to avoid extradition to the United States, where he could be imprisoned for 50 years. His lawyers are developing a strategy based on obtaining diplomatic status from Belarus. According to information published by Deutsche Welle (foreign media agent), Firtash was given the status of adviser to the Permanent Mission of Belarus to international organizations, including the United Nations. This decision was made by the Higher Regional Court of Vienna in June last year.
Based on his diplomatic status, Firtash is asking for a stay in the extradition proceedings to the US, claiming he has diplomatic immunity. However, the appeals court, in its June 14 decision, directed a lower court to review the case, given Firtash’s work at the UN, and determine whether he falls under the category of a diplomat.
If the court recognizes Firtash as a diplomat, he will be able to avoid extradition to the United States. However, the Austrian authorities do not recognize him as a diplomatic representative.
The oligarch was detained in Austria in 2014 at the request of the United States, which accuses him of conspiring to pay bribes in India to obtain a license to mine titanium used in jet engines. For these crimes, he faces up to 50 years in prison and confiscation of assets.
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