ID :
139522
Fri, 08/27/2010 - 14:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/139522
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Alleged Russian arms dealer's lawyer to petition Thai PM
NONTHABURI, Aug – A lawyer of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout said on Friday will petition Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, calling for justice and fair treatment for his client after the Thai Court of Appeals last week ruled to extradite him to the United States, which had asked Thailand to facilitate the transfer.
Lak Nittiwattanawichan, Mr Bout's lawyer, drafted two letters for his client to sign Friday. The first will be handed to thei prime minister requesting fair treatment based on facts and in accordance with the law as the Thai government is responsible for Thailand’s decision to extradite Mr Bout to the US.
The second, which will be sent to the prison director, opposes the US operation seeking Mr Bout's extradition, which he claims will cause damage to his client and is not based on law.
The ruling of the Thai Court of Appeals to extradite Mr Bout overturned a lower court's ruling in August 2009 that rejected a US request that Mr Bout face trial there.
Mr Lak added that he was considering exercising legal rights to seek his client’s release on grounds that he has been in detention unfairly or unjustly treated by officials.
According to Thai law, the persons who can file the request is Mr Bout himself, his family members or a Thai citizen.
The lawyer said the request may be filed by Mr Bout's wife and himself next week, citing the alleged unjust treatment from the government and agencies concerned.
The Thai Court of Appeals last week ruled that Mr Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, must be extradited within three months, or else be permitted to go free.
His lawyer’s latest move is pending legal processes set in motion by Thailand to extradite him.
The US on Monday officially requested public prosecutors drop charges of money laundering and fraud so that Mr Bout could be cleared for extradition to the US.
Mr Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, has denied any involvement in illicit activities including arms trafficking to conflict zones in Africa, South America and the Middle East. He claimed he ran a legitimate business.
His arrest at a Bangkok luxury hotel in March 2008 was part of an elaborate sting in which US agents posed as arms buyers for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which the US government classifies as a terrorist organisation.
Mr Bout was subsequently indicted in the US on four terrorism-related charges that include conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to FARC.
The US indictment also charged Mr Bout with conspiring to kill Americans, conspiring to kill US officials or employees, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. He could face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. (MCOT online news)
Lak Nittiwattanawichan, Mr Bout's lawyer, drafted two letters for his client to sign Friday. The first will be handed to thei prime minister requesting fair treatment based on facts and in accordance with the law as the Thai government is responsible for Thailand’s decision to extradite Mr Bout to the US.
The second, which will be sent to the prison director, opposes the US operation seeking Mr Bout's extradition, which he claims will cause damage to his client and is not based on law.
The ruling of the Thai Court of Appeals to extradite Mr Bout overturned a lower court's ruling in August 2009 that rejected a US request that Mr Bout face trial there.
Mr Lak added that he was considering exercising legal rights to seek his client’s release on grounds that he has been in detention unfairly or unjustly treated by officials.
According to Thai law, the persons who can file the request is Mr Bout himself, his family members or a Thai citizen.
The lawyer said the request may be filed by Mr Bout's wife and himself next week, citing the alleged unjust treatment from the government and agencies concerned.
The Thai Court of Appeals last week ruled that Mr Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, must be extradited within three months, or else be permitted to go free.
His lawyer’s latest move is pending legal processes set in motion by Thailand to extradite him.
The US on Monday officially requested public prosecutors drop charges of money laundering and fraud so that Mr Bout could be cleared for extradition to the US.
Mr Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, has denied any involvement in illicit activities including arms trafficking to conflict zones in Africa, South America and the Middle East. He claimed he ran a legitimate business.
His arrest at a Bangkok luxury hotel in March 2008 was part of an elaborate sting in which US agents posed as arms buyers for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which the US government classifies as a terrorist organisation.
Mr Bout was subsequently indicted in the US on four terrorism-related charges that include conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to FARC.
The US indictment also charged Mr Bout with conspiring to kill Americans, conspiring to kill US officials or employees, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. He could face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. (MCOT online news)
