Alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is due to make a second appearance in court on Friday, is in talks with the U.S. authorities on the possibility of bringing in a private lawyer to represent his case, Russia's consul general in New York said.
"As far as we know, Viktor Bout and his relatives are currently holding talks with the intent that a private lawyer defends his interests," Consul Andrei Yushmanov said.
Former Soviet military translator Bout was arrested in Thailand in March 2008 during a sting operation led by U.S. agents. He was extradited to the United States in November, 2010, after spending more than two and half years in Thai prisons.
The charges, which Bout denies, include conspiring to supply arms to terrorist groups and kill U.S. nationals. Currently, the suspected arms dealer is being represented by a U.S. lawyer appointed by the federal court where his trial is being heard.
Bout could face from 25 years to life behind bars if convicted of all four charges against him. He says he expects a "biased and nonobjective" trial.
Yushmanov said the Russian embassy is trying to establish why Bout, whose guilt has not been established in court, is awaiting trial in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison. He said the U.S. authorities have not responded to Russian requests for information on the matter.
Bout's 16- year-old daughter Lisa, his 74-year-old mother Raisa and his wife Alla arrived in New York on January 7 and will be allowed to visit him on January 24.
NEW YORK, January 21 (RIA Novosti)
