Moscow demands that Washington ensure humane treatment for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
“In our contacts with the U.S. authorities, we demand that this Russian national [Bout] be treated in a humane and dignified way while he is on U.S. territory,” ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
“We will use all available means to push for Bout’s return to his homeland,” Lukashevich said when asked how Russia would support Bout.
On November 2, a jury in Federal District Court of New York found Bout, a former Russian Army officer, guilty of conspiracy to kill U.S. officials and citizens, to acquire and use anti-aircraft missiles and to provide support to terrorists.
“The treatment of our citizen, who was virtually abducted by American special forces and then subjected to intense pressure, confirms our conclusion concerning the shaky evidence supporting the prosecution’s case, which was based exclusively on what American justice deemed malicious intent rather than specific deeds,” Lukashevich said.
Bout’s sentence is expected to be announced on February 8. He could receive a life sentence.
