Warsaw Court Extends Detention of Russian Archaeologist to March 4 Ahead of Jan. 15 Extradition Hearing

Ukraine seeks his transfer over Crimea excavations.

Overview

A Warsaw District Court ruling on January 12 prolonged Alexander Butyagin’s custody until March 4 as judges review Ukraine’s extradition request.
The extradition case remains set for January 15 after the court rejected a defense bid for more preparation time.
Butyagin’s lawyer plans to appeal within seven days and submitted letters of guarantee and a Polish residence address in a push for a lighter preventive measure.
Polish authorities detained the Hermitage Museum archaeologist on December 4 during travel from the Netherlands to the Balkans, initially ordering a 40-day arrest.
Prosecutors received Ukraine’s formal request on December 23 and say the charges could carry up to 10 years in prison, while Russian embassy staff have visited and contacted his counsel.