Pavel Borodin to stay behind bars

The Brooklyn Federal Court has ruled not to release Pavel Borodin, the secretary of state of the Russia-Belarus Union, on bail. Federal judge Viktor Pohorelski has defended the ruling by citing a lack of good cause. “Releasing of a suspect, who faces extradition, on bail is only envisaged by law under special circumstances,” the judge is quoted as saying. The hearings of the Borodin case in New York started with some delay, at 22:45 Moscow time and lasted for 3 hours. Russian Ambassador to the USA Yury Ushakov addressed the court asking to permit Mr. Borodin’s stay in the premises of Russia’s General Consulate in New York while court proceedings were on, Interfax reports. According to Mr. Ushakov, Russia is ready to provide financial and other guarantees for Mr. Borodin to appear in court whenever it may be needed. It is most likely by now, however, that Mr. Borodin is to stay in custody while the Swiss procurator’s office considers his extradition. Mr. Borodin defence lawyers mull appealing against the court decision.