site.btaRussian-French National Koblyakov Released from Custody

Sofia, August 1 (BTA) - The Sofia City Court (SCC) released from custody on Friday the Russian-French national Nikolay Koblyakov on recognizance not to leave.

Koblyakov was arrested on an European Arrest Warrant at Sofia Airport on Tuesday and was held for 72 hours. As founder of the French non-governmental organisation Russie-Libertes, he has staged a series of anti-Putin actions in France.

Russia placed Koblyakov on the Interpol wanted list on January 17 2013 for having committed fraud between December 2004 and September 2005.

According to the SCC, Koblyakov's actions can not be classified as fraud under Bulgarian law and do not constitute any crime under Bulgaria's Penal Code. According to the court panel, this fact could be a reason for the future denial of Russia's request for Koblyakov's extradition.

The Court said there is no danger for Koblyakov to go into hiding, because he has presented proof that he has signed a contract for rent on a Bulgarian address.

Koblyakov said he will not go into hiding and promised to stay in Bulgaria until the trial for his extradition concludes.

The Sofia City Prosecution Office petitioned the court earlier on Friday to detain temporarily Russian national Nikolay Koblyakov for having fled justice and the Russian authorities.

The prosecution authorities can appeal the Court's decision before the Sofia Appellate Court.