LONDON — A Chechen leader wanted in Russia on charges of terrorism and murder has been granted refugee status in Britain, the government said Saturday.
A British judge rejected a Russian government request to extradite Akhmed Zakayev earlier this month, saying he risked being tortured if he was sent back.
"We can confirm that Mr. Zakayev has been granted refugee status," a Home Office spokesman said.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Chizhov called the decision politically motivated and said it would hurt relations with Britain, which he accused of double standards on terrorism. Russia has repeatedly portrayed the Chechen rebels as terrorists.
Moscow alleges that Zakayev, 44, was a senior Chechen military commander who fought against Russian forces between October 1995 and December 2000. He is wanted in Russia on 13 charges, including kidnapping and taking part in the murder of more than 300 militia officers.
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