USA: Defence team of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout begins pre-trial defence

Record ID: 722508

  • Title: USA: Defence team of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout begins pre-trial defence
  • Date: 10th May 2011
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (MAY 9, 2011) (REUTERS) VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF FEDERAL COURT
  • Embargoed: 25th May 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA16UDP0KQO85H56BN55WP9J2PG
  • Story Text: The lawyers defending Russian Viktor Bout, accused of trafficking arms and nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" in the West, made their first move on Monday (May 9) in pre-trial motions in New York federal court.
    Bout made a court appearance as the court heard the first motion made by the defense to exclude from the case all of Bout's testimony given immediately upon his arrest in Thailand, which his lawyers argue was coerced while Bout was without legal representation.
    The 43-year old former Soviet Air Force officer is accused of trafficking arms since the 1990s to dictators and conflict zones in Africa, South America and the Middle East.
    Bout was extradited from Thailand in November last year, after his arrest in Bangkok in March 2008 in a U.S.-led sting operation. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
    Bout, who for years evaded U.N. and U.S. sanctions aimed at blocking his finances and restricting his movements, has called the charges against him an "American fantasy," and insists he ran a legal business that included a charter air cargo operation.
    The inspiration for the Hollywood movie "Lord of War" starring Nicholas Cage, Bout has been held in a high-security prison in Manhattan near the Federal courthouse since his extradition.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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