Copenhagen, 30 October 2002 (RFE/RL) -- A Danish court today ordered that Akhmed Zakaev, a high-ranking Chechen separatist official, be held until 12 November while investigators look into charges against him filed by Russia. Zakaev was taken into custody early today in Copenhagen where he was attending the World Chechen Congress as the envoy for Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov.
Danish authorities were acting on an Interpol warrant issued by Russia.
Russian authorities have 30 days to lodge an official request for Zakaev's extradition. A Danish court would then rule on extradition.
Russian lawmakers in the upper and lower houses of parliament said today they are seeking Zakaev's quick extradition.
Denmark's ambassador to Russia, Lars Vissing, told Ekho Moskvy radio that his country does not have an extradition agreement with Russia.
The Russian authorities suspect Zakaev of helping to plan the hostage-taking incident in Moscow last week, as well as a series of terrorist actions since 1996.
Danish authorities were acting on an Interpol warrant issued by Russia.
Russian authorities have 30 days to lodge an official request for Zakaev's extradition. A Danish court would then rule on extradition.
Russian lawmakers in the upper and lower houses of parliament said today they are seeking Zakaev's quick extradition.
Denmark's ambassador to Russia, Lars Vissing, told Ekho Moskvy radio that his country does not have an extradition agreement with Russia.
The Russian authorities suspect Zakaev of helping to plan the hostage-taking incident in Moscow last week, as well as a series of terrorist actions since 1996.