Moscow Concerned About Jailed Russian Pilot Yaroshenko's Health

Russia is seriously concerned about reports of jailed Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko's health and wants to clarify the situation with US authorities, the Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy for human rights, democracy and the rule of law said Sunday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Konstantin Yaroshenko's lawyer said earlier the pilot was unable to walk after an unscheduled surgery following health complications.

"The information about Yaroshenko's surgery and subsequent complications are a cause for gravest concern, we are taking steps to clarify the situation…The situation is under our close control and attention," Konstantin Dolgov told RIA Novosti.

Dolgov said the Russian Consulate in New York was coordinating with Yaroshenko's lawyer to obtain official information from authorities in the United States.

"Of course, if the information is confirmed, we will seek the necessary steps from US authorities and determine further actions," the special envoy said.

Yaroshenko serves a 20-year prison term on 2011 drug smuggling charges, accusations he denies. He was detained in Liberia in a US sting operation and handed directly to US authorities in 2010, in violation of the diplomatic code.