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    October 11, 2011

NYC Trial for Accused 'Merchant of Death' Set to Start

   VOA News
   In this courtroom sketch, former Soviet military officer Viktor Bout,
   right, is shown in Federal Court in New York (File Photo).
   Photo: AP
   In this courtroom sketch, former Soviet military officer Viktor Bout,
   right, is shown in Federal Court in New York (File Photo).

   The trial of a former Soviet military officer dubbed the "Merchant of
   Death" by his accusers is set to begin Tuesday in New York with jury
   selection.
   The United States alleges Viktor Bout is one of the world's most
   prolific arms traffickers. He is charged with attempting to supply
   weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, for use
   in killing Americans.
   Bout denies the charge, saying he is just an ordinary businessman, and
   accuses the U.S. government of waging a well-orchestrated public
   relations campaign against him.
   Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 during an elaborate sting
   operation by U.S. agents. He was extradited to the U.S. last November.
   The Russian government lobbied heavily against Bout's extradition,
   denouncing the action as illegal. Earlier this year, Bout told Russia's
   RIA Novosti news agency he rejected a plea deal that would have
   compelled him to reveal his connections in Russia and other countries.
   The trial is expected to last three to four weeks. The judge has said
   jurors will have to sign a written pledge not to use the Internet or
   other means to find information about Bout.
   Human rights organizations accuse Bout of supplying weapons to
   governments or armed groups around the world, including in Afghanistan,
   Liberia and Sierra Leone. They say his arms sales often sparked
   conflicts or worsened existing ones. Bout's alleged exploits also
   inspired the 2005 movie Lord of War that starred American actor Nicolas
   Cage.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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