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Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly has criticized Britain for its refusal to extradite people who Russia considers terrorist suspects.

Mr. Putin spoke Wednesday in Moscow at a conference of European prosecutors. He said that he does not understand why people who are accused of terrorism are not extradited, and instead are granted political asylum. He did not specifically name Britain. He referred only to what he called certain countries that grant asylum to people accused of terrorism.

Mr. Putin also warned European officials against using human rights issues to promote their own political interests.

Last month, Russia's new prosecutor general said he is sending a team of specialists to Britain to deal with cases in which British courts have refused Russian extradition requests.

Russia for years has sought the extradition of business tycoon Boris Berezovsky and Chechen separatist envoy Akhmed Zakayev. British authorities have granted both men political asylum.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.