Russia bars British reporter on security grounds

Russia has refused a visa to a British journalist well-known for his coverage of Chechnya, citing "state security" as its reason. Thomas de Waal, who has previously worked in Moscow for the English-language Moscow Times, The Times and the BBC, had been due to attend the presentation of a Russian version of his book on the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. De Waal believes the ban may be due to his appearance as a witness at the extradition trial of rebel leader Akhmed Zakayev who was then granted political asylum in Britain. (Via Newswatch India)