EXTRADITION OF VIKTOR IS DELAYED AGAIN

Viktor Bout Extradition is Again Delayed due to Additional Charges.........

FROM A
DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW by Monte Friesner

5 October 2010

A two-Judge Judicial Court in Bangkok, Thailand this week delayed the extradition proceedings of accused arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known popularly in the media as the "Lord of War,' and the "Merchant of Death."

Bout, who faces a possible life in prison in the United States, due to a pending indictment which alleges that he conspired to provide advanced weapons to the FARC, the designated Colombian terrorist organization. Bout has alleged that he cannot get a fair trial in the United States due to the corruption and prejudice and has proclaimed his innocence.

Here's the latest in this case:

• Readers who are following the case through our previous articles known that, in an effort to ensure that Bout would ultimately be extradited, the United States filed supplemental charges of money laundering and wire fraud against him, whilst the original adverse decision was pending on appeal in Thailand.
•  Unfortunately, these additional charges have resulted in the Thai Court ruling that he cannot be extradited until the new allegations are heard in Bangkok, ruling upon strictly procedural grounds.
• Thai prosecutors sought to close the second case, but the court apparently has required a hearing on those charges. They have declined to call witnesses; however, which could indicate that the hearing may only be a formality.
• On the other hand, unless Bout is extradited before 20 November, the order of the Appeals Court that authorized this act will reportedly expire. This could force the United States to initiate the extradition process anew.

Where will this end?

We cannot say; however, WANTED SA is monitoring the situation, and will keep our readers fully updated. 

Meanwhile, the question of the day is:

Where on earth is Co-Defendant, accountant and accused Bout master money launderer, Richard Chichakli?

He is rumored to be residing in Moscow.

Why has he not been taken into custody?

The facts and opinions stated in this article are those of the author and not those of WANTED SA. WANTED SA does not warrant the accuracy of any facts and opinions stated in this article; does not endorse them, and accepts no responsibility for them.