ROME- Former Ukrainian MP Igor Markov, accused of misconduct and having organised meetings with pro-Putin businessmen, was arrested in the Northern town of Sanremo police sources said. Markov came to Italy in search of funding for his movement known as the National Committee for the Liberation of Ukraine, meeting with Russian businessmen living in the country for support of the annexation of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

The arrest ordered by Italy and Monaco was made by Sanremo police forces, who apprehended him on Wednesday in the Hotel de Paris where he was staying.

An international arrest warrant for Markov had been issued by the Ukraine government to Interpol following the 2007 anti-government demonstrations in Odessa, of which Markov was said to be one of the main instigators. The protests left many injured, and Markov allegedly had attacked political opponents with metal poles and gloves with metal inserts.

The arrest has now become a delicate diplomatic case between Italy and the Ukraine, which will no doubt involve Russia as well. Whilst the Ukraine government wants Markov to be extradited for sentencing, Markov has refused to be sent back to the Ukraine, claiming that he is a victim of political persecution. To support his appeal, Markov said that if extradition is permitted, he Ukrainian authorities could torture him for his anti-government stance.    

Former Ukranian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov defended Markov in an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, saying that the Ukrainian government’s persecution of Markov’s movement was “shameful” and that the government is the “only true totalitarian regime in Kiev”. Azarov further condemned the arrest by reminding the people that the case against Markov in 2007 had been dropped due to lack of evidence, and that the warrant was an excuse to rid the government of political opposition.

At the Hotel de Paris reception, Markov had left a Russian passport, and also owned a diplomatic Ukrainian passport, which had previously discouraged Italian authorities to act. Markov arrived in Italy from Moscow, where he had been living for years in hiding from the Ukraine. Markov was under strict surveillance from police forces, and following a trip to Monte Carlo with two Russian businessmen, Markov was apprehended and did not resist arrest.