U.S. court rejects Armenia’s request to extradite blogger Ghukasyan

A U.S. court has ruled that Armenian political blogger Vardan Ghukasyan, known as “Dog,” will not be extradited to Armenia.

The court, however, found that he had violated immigration laws and ordered him to leave the United States.

Ghukasyan, leader of the “Dogma” party, was recently arrested in Las Vegas and placed in a detention center.

Polls showed his party in second place with 6.8% support, compared to 11.3% for the ruling Civil Contract party.

While living in the U.S., the blogger repeatedly criticized Armenian officials and pledged to tackle corruption in his homeland.