Alleged Russian army smuggler in extradition hearings

(19 May 2009) An alleged Russian arms smuggler - dubbed the Merchant of Death - has appeared in a Bangkok courtroom for the final time before judgment is given on whether he will be extradited to the US to face terrorism-related charges. Washington claims that Viktor Bout is one of the world's most prolific arms dealers and has long been linked to notorious conflicts, allegedly supplying weapons to former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Bout has denied all charges. He was arrested in Bangkok a year ago in a sting operation for allegedly conspiring to sell arms to Colombian rebels. The case has strained relations between Russia and the US. Moscow has called his arrest "bewildering" and wants him sent home, while US lawmakers have accused the Russians of trying to help Bout avoid justice. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...