Convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout does not believe in the prospect of an impartial decision of his case by a new jury if he appeals, he said in a statement.
“I do not believe that a new jury will decide in my favor. The charges for the average American are too fearful, public prosecutors have spent too much effort and resources,” a statement given to Bout’s wife, Alla, read.
On October 2, the jury in the Federal District Court of New York unanimously agreed that former Russian Army officer Bout was guilty of conspiracy to kill U.S. officials and citizens, to acquire and use anti-aircraft missiles and to provide support to terrorists.
“I was extradited to the United States not to be excused,” Alla quoted her husband as saying.
Bout’s sentence is expected to be announced on February 8. He could receive a life sentence.
“The only thing I count on now is the goodwill of my country, my government and my people,” Alla said, repeating her husband’s words.
Following Bout’s conviction by the jury, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Moscow would push for his return to Russia.
Bout was arrested in Thailand in March 2008 during a sting operation led by U.S. agents and extradited to the United States in November 2010 after spending more than two and half years in Thai prisons.