Baltic States – CIS, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

Shvarev in Russia has been charged with defaming businessman Alisher Usmanov and extorting more than 3 bn rubles from him. 

"Interpol refused to declare Shvarev wanted because it deemed his case politically motivated. Additionally, the Interpol commission found that the case lacks any criminal element and is related only to private matters," the lawyer said

Interpol decided his client's prosecution was unlawful and unfounded, Zherebyonkov said.

Shvarev categorically denies his guilt and does not believe the investigation will be objective, which is why he intends to remain abroad.

In January, Latvian authorities granted political asylum to Shvarev and his family.

The journalist in Russia was arrested in absentia and placed on the international wanted list.

"My family and I have been granted political asylum in Latvia, whose authorities have recognized my being persecuted in Russia for my professional activity," Shvarev said earlier. He said he would continue seeking to clear his name and end the prosecution.

Initially, police charged Shvarev with slander combined with accusing someone of committing a felony. Later, a criminal inquiry was launched into extortion with a view to gaining a massive quantity of assets. The former charge entails a fine of up to 5 mln rubles or 480 hours of community service; the latter could land Shvarev in prison for seven to 15 years.

The two cases have been merged into one.