Copenhagen, 3 December 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Denmark has set free Chechen rebel envoy Akhmed Zakaev after rejecting a Moscow request to have the separatist activist extradited to Russia on terrorism charges. The Danish Justice Ministry today said in a statement that it has not received sufficient evidence from Russia to extradite Zakaev, who has served as an aide to Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov.
Jakob Scharf, head of the Justice Ministry's international division, said that Zakaev is free but stopped short of indicating where Zakaev will go.
Zakaev was arrested on 30 October in Copenhagen at Moscow's request after a legal meeting of rebels and human rights activists. Russia claims he is linked to attacks on civilians in connection with the war in the breakaway republic of Chechnya.
Jakob Scharf, head of the Justice Ministry's international division, said that Zakaev is free but stopped short of indicating where Zakaev will go.
Zakaev was arrested on 30 October in Copenhagen at Moscow's request after a legal meeting of rebels and human rights activists. Russia claims he is linked to attacks on civilians in connection with the war in the breakaway republic of Chechnya.