RUSSIAN OFFICER WHO SURRENDERED IN CHECHNYA FACES CAPITAL CHARGES.

Lt. Maksim Yashchenko who surrendered to Chechen forces in January 1995 could be sentenced to death if he is found guilty of “voluntary surrender,” Izvestiya reported June 6. The paper said that the officer’s men had all reported that Yashchenko’s actions had saved their lives. After his surrender, Yashchenko was released by the Chechens but now sits in a Vladikavkaz military jail awaiting trial.

Russian Police Detain Mafia Congress for Three Hours.