Sweden extends detention of Russian researcher accused of spying

A Russian researcher accused of working as a spy in Sweden was ordered held in jail for another two weeks Thursday while prosecutors build their case against him, court officials said.

Photo: Sweden extends detention of Russian researcher accused of spying

The arrest of Andrey Zamiatnin, 29, has angered Russia, which demanded his swift release Wednesday after calling in Sweden's ambassador to discuss the case.

The Stockholm District Court, however, ruled there was enough evidence against Zamiatnin to keep him detained. Under Swedish law, a detention order must be renewed every two weeks.

Zamiatnin has denied the charges, and the court's decision led the Russian Embassy in Stockholm to reiterate the country's request that Zamiatnin should be released, calling the accusations "baseless," Swedish news agency TT reported.

Zamiatnin was working as a visiting researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, about 70 kilometers (44 miles) north of Stockholm, when he was arrested on Feb. 15.

Security police have refused to disclose what country he is accused of working for, or elaborate on the nature of the espionage allegations.

The Swedish government has said it cannot interfere with the investigation because it is a police matter.

Prosecutors have until March 30 to either file charges against Zamiatnin, or ask that he be held for another two-week period, reports AP.

O.Ch.