Yevgeny Adamov appeals against extradition to U.S.

Russia's ex-nuclear minister Yevgeny Adamov, who faces charges of stealing up to US$9 million (Ђ7.4 million) intended to improve nuclear security, on Tuesday filed an appeal against Switzerland's decision to extradite him to the United States, his lawyers said.

The appeal was filed a day before Wednesday's deadline for Adamov to request a review of a Swiss Justice Ministry decision to extradite him to the United States rather than to Russia. Moscow has protested the Swiss decision.

Russian authorities, concerned that Adamov could divulge nuclear secrets if extradited to the U.S., have demanded he be returned home since he is a Russian citizen and has immunity as a former Cabinet minister.

Adamov has agreed to be extradited to Russia, but Washington insisted he be sent to the United States, causing a tug of war and forcing Switzerland to decide between the competing U.S. and Russian demands.

Adamov's lawyers argue that the Justice Ministry incorrectly applied national and international law when it decided in early October to extradite Adamov to the United States. A.M.