Prague Will Not Extradite Uzbek "dissident And Writer" Salay Madaminov

The Prosecutor of Prague thinks that "extradition of Uzbek dissident and writer Salay Madaminov to Uzbek authorities is impossible", said Martin Omelka, a spokesman for the Prague prosecutor's office. The prosecutor will suggest at the open court session on Madaminov's case that the dissident not be extradited to Uzbekistan, Omelka added. According to him, Madaminov's extradition would contradict Czech laws. Czech President Vaclav Havel met Madaminov, the Uzbek opposition leader, in his residence on Wednesday evening. Madaminov received a long prison sentence on terrorism charges in absentia. He was wanted by Interpol on request of Uzbek authorities. Madaminov was released on Tuesday from the Pankrac prison until a court decision on his future fate is taken. The Supreme Court of Uzbekistan sentenced Madaminov in absentia for 15,5 years of prison with confiscation of property and imprisonment in a colony of strict regime. Along with 11 other defendants, he was charged with an attempt to oust the legal government, an attempt on President Karimov's life, perpetration of numerous terrorist acts, murders, attempts to incite national hatred and with other grave crimes. Madaminov arrived in Prague from Amsterdam in late November by an invitation of the Radio Liberty / Free Europe and was detained in the neutral zone of the Ruzyne international airport in Prague. Uzbekistan requested Prague "to extradite the terrorist." The Czech court is due to make the final decision on Madaminov's fate during the next week's open hearings.