Chechen separatist watched by Interpol

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YEKATERINBURG, Russia, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev, arrested by Poland at Russia's request, was freed but remains wanted on terrorist charges in Russia.

Zakayev was released hours after his Sept. 18. arrest because he had been given political refugee status in Britain, which is valid in the entire territory of the European Union, RIA Novosti reported Monday.

Polish prosecutors wanted to extend his detention for 40 days but their petition was rejected by the Warsaw District Court because of Zakayev's refugee status.

The head of Interpol's office in Russia, Timur Lakhonin said Zakayev remains on Interpol's wanted list.

"Extradition issues are purely the prerogative of foreign countries' courts," Lakhonin said.

Zakayev allegedly led attacks on Russian forces in the first Chechen war. He was placed on an international wanted list by Russia in 2001 but in 2003 was granted political asylum by Britain, which has refused to allow extradition, RIA Novosti reported.