Top Democrats on Monday demanded that President Trump force the 13 Russian nationals who have been indicted as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe to stand trial in the U.S. for their alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.
“We write to urge your administration to devote all resources available to ensure that the Russian nationals indicted for allegedly interfering with the 2016 elections are brought to justice and stand trial in the United States,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Judiciary Committee ranking member Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., wrote in a letter to Trump.
“It is of the utmost importance that these agencies have the resources to work to secure these fugitives and are allowed to conduct their efforts to bring them to justice free from any political interference,” they added. “Ensuring these Russian nationals stand trial in the United States is imperative for deterring Russia from future attacks on our democracy and would be a signal to those who seek to meddle with our election that such actions are not without consequences.”
The Democratic leaders cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion that he would “never” extradite those indicted as a reason why Trump needs to act. They said Trump has several ways he could force a trial.
“Even without an extradition treaty the U.S. government has a number of tools at its disposal through the Departments of Justice and State to ensure these Russian nationals are brought to justice,” they wrote. “The Department of Justice can obtain an Interpol Red Notice, which acts like an international arrest warrant, which can severely restrict a fugitive’s ability to live and travel overseas. The Department of State and your White House can also use its leverage through diplomatic channels, including by raising the issue directly with President Putin, to ensure Russia and other nations cooperate with a request for extradition.”
