Austria releases ex-Kazakh envoy

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Austrian police have released the son-in-law of Kazakhstan's president on bail, as it considers an extradition request from the Central Asian nation.

Rakhat Aliyev, who is wanted on kidnapping charges in his country, must stay in Austria while it considers Kazakhstan's extradition request.

The controversial businessman is married to the eldest daughter of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

He was sacked as Kazakh ambassador to Austria last week amid a family feud.

'Case fabricated'

In an interview with Austria's Profil magazine, Mr Aliyev said his life would be in danger if he was sent back to Kazakhstan.

He also claimed that Mr Nazarbayev issued a warrant for his arrest because he said he would challenge him for the presidency in 2012.

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"All these allegations are false. That is how President Nazarbayev deals with potential competitors and opposition politicians if they only think of challenging him," Mr Aliyev said.

Kazakh authorities say Mr Aliyev, 44, ordered the abduction of two senior officials of Nurbank bank - which he controls - but he says the case was fabricated to destroy his political ambition.

Kazakhstan is seeking the extradition of six other people - including a business associate of Mr Aliyev - Austrian officials said.

Mr Nazarbayev has been in office for 17 years.

Last month he strengthened his rule by changing the law to allow him to run for the presidency as many times as he likes.