"A number of formalities are required for an actual search within the framework of the international organization to begin. Firstly, Russia’s notification of other member states as reported today. Second, the General Secretariat should approve the decision without blocking it for political reasons, for example," the source said.
The source stressed that Interpol’s constitution forbids the organization from political, military, religious or race-related interference to maintain neutrality. That is why the General Secretariat headquartered in Lyons reviews high-profile wanted list requests individually and has veto power in its decision, the source added.
"In any case, the detaining party issues its decision to extradite based on its own legislation," the source stressed.
Khodorkovsky, the former owner of the now-defunct Yukos oil company, was placed on the wanted list in Russia last December after a Russian court charged him with organizing the 1998 murder of Nefteyugansk town mayor.
A former chief of security at Yukos was convicted of planning Mayor Vladimir Petukhov’s murder.
Khodorkovsky's lawyer said last month witnesses testified at a Moscow court that the businessman was complicit in Petukhov's death.
