Russia urges immediate release of man accused of spying in Sweden

Russia demanded the immediate and unconditional release Friday of a researcher accused of working as a spy in Sweden , the Foreign Ministry said.

Photo: Russia urges immediate release of man accused of spying in Sweden

The arrest of Andrey Zamiatnin, 29, has infuriated Russia , which has repeatedly asked that he be freed.

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

The Stockholm District Court ruled Thursday that there was enough evidence against Zamiatnin to keep him in custody. Under Swedish law, the order must be renewed every two weeks.

Prosecutors have until April 12 to either file charges or ask that he be held again.

Swedish security agencies have declined to disclose any information or reveal which country is the subject of the espionage accusation.

Foreign Ministry officials also complained of the "persistent inhumanity of the Swedish authorities" in regard to his detention, but did not elaborate.

Zamiatnin has denied the charges, reports the AP.

D.M.