August 26, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Russia believe Britain is taking an abusive stand towards their country by suggesting amendments to national laws, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 63 per cent of respondents think Britain's recommendation to change the Constitution in order to allow Russian citizens to be extradited to foreign countries is an inter

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Russia believe Britain is taking an abusive stand towards their country by suggesting amendments to national laws, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 63 per cent of respondents think Britain's recommendation to change the Constitution in order to allow Russian citizens to be extradited to foreign countries is an interference in Russia's internal affairs.

On Jul. 16, the British government announced it was expelling four Russian diplomats, restricting visas issued to Russian officials, and reviewing other aspects of bilateral relations due to Russia's refusal to extradite former intelligence agent Andrei Lugovoi to Britain. Lugovoi is suspected by British authorities of murdering former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko on British soil.

The move was followed by Russia's announcement that it would also expel four diplomats, stop issuing visas for British officials, and halt counterterrorism cooperation with Britain. Russian officials have also said they would be willing to try Lugovoi in Russia if British authorities provide compelling evidence to do so. Days later, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it is still issuing visas to British diplomats despite the threats to cease the process.

Article 61.1 of Russia's current Constitution forbids the extradition of the country's citizens. Britain has suggested an amendment in order to allow Lugovoi to be tried in British courts.

On Jul. 24, British prime minister Gordon Brown expressed disappointment, saying, "We cannot tolerate a situation where all the evidence is that not only was one person assassinated but many other people were put at risk. We want the Russian authorities even at this stage to recognize that it is their responsibility to extradite for trial the Russian citizen who has been identified by prosecuting authorities."

On Aug. 3, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the government could open an investigation into Lugovoi's case if Britain provides enough evidence against him, adding, "If we are convinced—just like them—that this is a serious case, then we have a wealth of precedents when we would launch a criminal case of our own, hold court hearings and read out the verdict."

Polling Data

Britain has recommended Russia to amend its constitution, and allow Russian citizens to be extradited to foreign countries where they have been deemed as suspects in a criminal investigation. What is your opinion on this issue?

This is an admissible circumstance, in order to conclude an investigation	23%
This is an inadmissible interference in the internal affairs of Russia	63%
Hard to answer	14%

Source: All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center
Methodology: Interviews with 1,595 Russian adults, conducted on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, 2007. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent.