Russia's consular assistance to alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout does not mean that Moscow has taken the position that Bout is innocent of the charges against him, a presidential aide said Thursday.
Bout, 43, was extradited Tuesday after spending more than two and half years in Thai prisons. He was officially charged in a New York City court on Wednesday. His charges include a conspiracy to supply arms to terrorist groups and a conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals.
"We have nothing to hide, no one sees any military or other secrets here... he should answer the questions," Sergei Prikhodko told Russian journalists.
"As regards protection and consular aid, it will be provided to Bout. Many people - legal experts and businessmen as well as lawbreakers - get into complicated situations. Regardless of this, we will be guided by the universal principles of assistance to Russian nationals," he said, adding that this did not mean Russia was "a priori" proclaiming his innocence.
The next hearing in the case of the former Russian officer, dubbed the Merchant of Death, will be held on January 10 next year.
Bout could face life in prison if convicted on all four charges against him.
BAKU, November 18 (RIA Novosti)
