Georgia Won't Extradite Russian Deserter

TBILISI -- Georgia will not extradite former Russian Army Sergeant Aleksandr Glukhov, a Georgian official has said.

Georgian Justice Ministry spokesman Khatuna Iosava told RFE/RL's Russian Service that Glukhov was granted political asylum on May 20 and therefore, according to the Geneva Conventions, he cannot be extradited to any other country.

Glukhov is wanted in Russia for desertion.

He left his military unit in South Ossetia and defected to Georgia in January.