Cyprus: Russian-Israeli Arrest and Inaction on Extradition

The Court of Appeal criticized a first instance court, the Ministry of Justice, and the Prosecutor's Office for the arrest of a Russian-Israeli citizen, M.N., at Moscow's request, without taking action for his extradition. M.N. was arrested on May 20 by the Cypriot Police based on an Interpol red notice, following an arrest warrant issued by Russia for "large-scale fraud by an organized group."

The Larnaca District Court twice rejected the 34-year-old's requests for release on bail. His lawyers, A. Pelekanos and G. Vryoni, invoked Article 5 of the ECHR. The Court of Appeal overturned the detention order, finding inaction by the Central Authority (Ministry of Justice - Legal Service). Conditions were imposed for M.N.'s release, including financial guarantees, surrender of travel documents, and a ban on leaving the Limassol district.