Surrounded by security guards, alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is escorted to a criminal courtroom in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Apichart Weerawong/AP) Move Over, Nicholas Cage. Real “Lord of War” Beats Arms Rap In Thailand -- Christian Science Monitor
Viktor Bout, an alleged arms dealer to war criminals, successfully fought a US extradition request in Thailand. Prosecutors are likely to appeal.
When Hollywood makes an action movie based on your life, with Nicholas Cage as the lead, most men jump for joy. Not Viktor Bout, though.
It’s hard to argue that you’re a legitimate Russian businessman when you’re the inspiration behind “Lord of War.” Admittedly, the movie changed the character to a Russian-American living in Brighton Beach. And the burly Bout, a Soviet-trained Air Force pilot, doesn’t look much like Nicholas Cage. But on Tuesday in Thailand, Bout was handed his own version of a Hollywood ending: A court there denied a US extradition request.
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More News On Viktor Bout
Thailand rejects Russian 'arms dealer' extradition to US -- AFP
Thai court refuses to extradite "Merchant of Death" -- Reuters
Thais reject US request to extradite arms smuggler -- AP
Thai Court Rules Against US Extradition for Alleged Russian Arms Dealer -- Voice of America
Thailand rejects Bout extradition -- BBC
Thai court rejects U.S. extradition request for 'Merchant of Death' -- CNN
Ex-Soviet officer escapes US extradition -- Financial Times
My Comment: I had mentioned last year that if Viktor Bout does get extradited to the U.S. .... I would be shocked.
When I read this story this morning .... I just shook my head and smiled (and I am not shocked). If I am surprised by anything in this case, it is that it has taken Viktor Bout 1 year to have this extradition case squashed.