Rebel Chechen Leader Akhmed Zakayev Arrested in London

Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev is still wanted by Interpol, according to a source in the Interpol National Central Bureau in Russia. The Interfax news agency quotes the source as saying that "the international arrest warrant for Zakayev has not been cancelled. At the same time, Russian law enforcement agencies do not see any need to issue another arrest warrant for him."

An international arrest warrant was issued for Zakayev in 2001. Zakayev is suspected of committing a number of crimes, including murder, hostage-taking, and the organization of illegal armed groups. "Besides Akhmed Zakayev, Russia has issued arrest warrants for over seventy leaders and active participants in Chechen armed groups. None of these arrest warrants has been cancelled: there are good legal reasons to continue the search," the source said.

Ahmed Zakayev was arrested in London yesterday after flying to Britain following his release from a Danish jail. Russia is seeking his extradition, although supporters of Zakayev suggest that he will seek political asylum in Britain. Zakayev is a leading member of Aslan Maskhadov's rebel Chechen administration.