Armenia Denies Extradition Requests for Lifers Syrian Mercenaries

The Armenian Ministry of Justice has reported that no extradition requests have been received regarding Syrian mercenaries sentenced to life imprisonment in Armenia. This statement comes in response to an inquiry by Sputnik Armenia.

In May 2021, two mercenary terrorists, Mehrad Mohammad al-Shkhri and Youssef Alabed al-Haji, who participated in military operations against Artsakh in 2020, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Syunik regional court.

"The individuals you mentioned are currently held at the 'Yerevan' penitentiary facility of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. No requests for their extradition have been submitted, and they have not been extradited to any other country," the ministry stated.

The ministry clarified that they were sentenced by a court of the Republic of Armenia. According to Armenian legislation, they cannot be extradited as they are not wanted for committing a crime or for executing a sentence, but rather hold the status of convicts.

It is noteworthy that al-Shkhri and al-Haji were convicted under articles relating to terrorism, international terrorism, violations of international humanitarian law in armed conflict, and mercenary activity.