Viktor Bout case: ‘historic’ extradition, formal charges

If the U.S. court finds Viktor Bout guilty, he will be sentenced to 25 years to life. Photo: the entrance of the federal court building for the Southern District of New York.

Bout entered the room without handcuffs. He appeared tired and sometimes looked around trying to find familiar faces. Photo: entrance into hall of federal prosecutor’s office of the Southern District of New York.

Judge Shira Scheindlin asked Bout several times if he knew his rights, the essence of the charges and if he had honestly filled in a declaration of his property in the United States. The defendant answered “yes” to all the questions. Photo: A police officer protecting the entrance to hall of federal prosecutor’s office of the Southern District of New York.

Photography and filming are prohibited in U.S. courthouses, but drawing is allowed.

Russian Consul Andrei Yushmanov said Viktor Bout was being held in solitary confinement. Photo: The temporary detention center where Bout was sent.

The jail where the Russian businessman will be held until the trial is considered “elite.”