Viktor Bout's Extradition Delayed At Least Until Early October

[webfact]

MERCHANT OF DEATH

Bout's extradition delayed at least until early October

BANGKOK: -- The extradition to the United States of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the "Merchant of Death", has been delayed at least until October 4 when a court will consider US' accusations against Bout involving fraud and money laundry.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the delaying in the extradition is due to complications over Thai legal procedures.

"We are not sending him off now, there are several steps in the legal process," he told reporters.

US MARSHALS JET WAITING

A US Marshals jet is waiting at Don Mueang Airport to fly out Bout after the Appeal Court ruled last Friday to extradite him to the US in connection with charges of supplying materials to international terrorist organisations.

The ruling reversed a primary court verdict rejecting the extradition appeal.

"The US must understand that not all the legal procedures have been completed yet, and ... there should not be any kind of pressure," Abhisit added.

"It's got nothing to do with how long the plane is parked there," Abhisit said.

There were reports in the media earlier that Bout would depart Bangkok for the US early yesterday. Reporters gathered in front of Bang Kwang prison where he is being detained, and at the airport yesterday expecting to see him depart.

Prime Minister Abhisit discussed the matter with National Security Council chief Thawil Pliansri and instructed the agency to strictly follow legal procedures on the extradition since the case was complicated due to pressure from both Washington and Moscow.

Thailand is a major ally of the US in Southeast Asia but also wants to maintain good relations with Russia for political and economic interests.

The Appeal Court's decision in the extradition case is final, but Moscow is still working to block the extradition.

Sirisak Tiyapan, chief of the international affairs department at the Office of the Attorney-General, explained that the extradition could not be enforced right now as the US has already filed another charge about money laundering in court.

If it wanted to see a quick extradition, the second case must be withdrawn from the court, he said.

Washington has submitted a request through the Foreign Ministry to withdraw the second case, enabling the Thai authorities to clear Bout for extradition, according to Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Thani Thongpakdi.

However, Sirisak said he has not received the request yet. "If I received the official request, I would submit it to the court within a day," he said.

Bout's lawyer Lak Nittiwattana-wichan said it was not that easy as he would object to the withdrawal of the money-laundering case. "By doing so, Bout would not be extradited at least until October 4 when the court will consider the case," he said.

Bout was allowed to meet his relatives, lawyer and his wife Alla Bout yesterday.

ACCUSED OF FUELLING CONFLICTS

Bout, 44, a former Russian pilot, has been accused of being one of the most prolific arms smugglers. His story inspired the Hollywood movie "Lord of War" in 2005, with Nicolas Cage in the main role. He could face maximum life imprisonment if convicted in the US on the charge of supplying arms to the Colombian FARC group, who have been labelled terrorists by the US.

He has also been accused of supplying weapons to fuel conflicts in different parts of the world, including Africa, South America and the Middle East. Bout has rejected the charges, saying he ran a legitimate air-cargo business.

-- The Nation 2010-08-26

[Jingthing]

Whatever it takes. Bout has already said he finds Thai prison "worse than Guantanamo" so those doing cartwheels over this might think twice.

[webfact]

Russia Decries Bout's Extradition

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed dissatisfaction with Thailand's decision to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that it is displeased and somewhat suspicious of the Appeals Court's decision to extradite Viktor Bout to face charges in the United States. The appeals court overruled the lower court's verdict, which stated that there was insufficient evidence from Washington to extradite him.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that Bout's case has become a political dispute, claiming that Washington pressured the Thai court and that Viktor did not violate Thai laws while in the Kingdom. Therefore, it said Thai authorities must take responsibility for unlawfully imprisoning a foreigner.

Russia also expressed disappointment that Thailand has held Bout in prison for almost three years despite the Russian embassy's constant request that he be granted bail.

After the court's decision last Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that the decision was influenced by political pressure from Washington and vowed that Moscow will do everything to secure Bout's return to Russia.

The Russian press reported that Washington was intent on extraditing Bout so that he could face charges in the US before the statute of limitation expires. The US dropped charges of money laundering and fraud against him to speed up the extradition process.

Bout has given an interview with the Russian press, saying that he will not answer any charges without the presence of a representative from the Russian Consulate.

The press believe that if Bout is extradited, he will face a sentence of life in prison as the US has spent 15 years hunting him and two and a half years requesting his extradition from the Thai government.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-26

[webfact]

Viktor Bout's lawyer stayed overnight at Bang Kwan prison, citing he doesn't trust the Thai gov't /via @RichardBarrow /via @Juarawee

[Insight]

And since now and October anything can happen.

I was hoping the pundits had got this one wrong, but getting any official to stick to their word for three months in Thailand is a bit of a long shot.

[SamritT]

Viktor Bout's lawyer stayed overnight at Bang Kwan prison, citing he doesn't trust the Thai gov't. Sorry, Thai govt doesn't trust you too, unless you help to setup Thaksin.

[hammered]

Sending a plane to Don Muang was silly. It put Thailand in a difficult position

[jayboy]

Russia Decries Bout's Extradition

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed dissatisfaction with Thailand's decision to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that it is displeased and somewhat suspicious of the Appeals Court's decision to extradite Viktor Bout to face charges in the United States. The appeals court overruled the lower court's verdict, which stated that there was insufficient evidence from Washington to extradite him.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that Bout's case has become a political dispute, claiming that Washington pressured the Thai court and that Viktor did not violate Thai laws while in the Kingdom. Therefore, it said Thai authorities must take responsibility for unlawfully imprisoning a foreigner.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-26

What a ridiculous and incorrect suggestion.As though the Thai courts could be suborned for political reasons, and subject to external pressures to secure the "right" verdict.

The Russian Ambassador should be summoned for a dressing down by Foreign Minister Kasit,that admirable and widely respected man.

[webfact]

Thai court to consider US' request against Bout in September, not October as earlier reported : lawyer

The Thai Criminal Court will consider the second request by the US for the extradition of Victor Bout on September 4th, rather than on October 4th, as the world news have reported, Voice of Russia said Thursday.

This came in a statement by the Russian businessman's lawyer, who added that the news media must have wrongly interpreted the information they got.

-- The Nation 2010-08-26

[webfact]

US express hope Bout would be extradited soon

The US expressed hope that Thailand would complete the extradition process of Viktor Bout soon.

Mark Toner, spokesman for the Department of State, told a daily briefing that at some point, Bout will show up in a US courtroom.

"At some point, he'll show up in a U.S. courtroom. But as - up until then, we're not going to comment on the details of the extradition other than that the - it's a Thai legal process that's underway and hopefully will conclude soon," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-26

[LomSak27]

They're sure stringing this one out. If you have a cash cow, milk it for all it's worth.

[webfact]

Will Viktor Bout be extradited to the USA?

Vladimir Golovkin

A Russian businessman, Viktor Bout, accused in the USA of illegal arms trade, will not be extradited from Thailand to the USA, at least, till October this year, as his lawyer Lak Niitiwttanawichan said in an interview for the Voice of Russia. He says that the next court session is planned for October 4th, to focus on the evidence, given by both Bout himself and the witnesses in this case.

Viktor Bout was arrested in Bangkok in March of 2008, at the request of the USA’s law-enforcement bodies. In August of 2009 the Thai court acquitted the Russian businessman because of lack of proof of his guilt. However, the USA lodged an appeal to the relevant instance, and the consideration of Bout’s case continued. On August 20th Thailand’s Court of Appeal met the USA’s request for the extradition of Viktor Bout.

A Russian politologist, Vyacheslav Nikonov, the President of the Polity Foundation, expressed his point of view on the issue in the interview given to the Voice of Russia correspondent:

Interview continues: HERE

VOICE OF RUSSIA

-- 2010-08-26

[rotary]

A lawyer does not trust who????? Who can trust a lair eh I mean lawyer! ha ha Using the word trust and lawyer in the same sentence should be against the law in 98.9% of all lawyers. There are a few honest lawyers but very far in between.

LOL

[wintermute]

If Victor Bout is vital enough to Russian interests it wouldn't surprise me if they sent a Spetsnatz team to break him out with force. It would dirty Russian hands big time and create bad relations with Thailand but they've done things like this before.

[hanuman1]

Bout's lawyer Lak Nittiwattana-wichan said it was not that easy as he would object to the withdrawal of the money-laundering case.

A defence lawyer petitioning for an allegation NOT to be withdrawn?

Doesn't anyone else find that hysterical?

It's like something out of a farce. It could be written up as a stage play called 'Whoops, There Go My Briefs!'.

[asiawatcher]

So why would Russia be concerned about the US getting hold of Bout? Fairly obvious I would think!

[Arkady]

On the face of it the money laundering charges are now irrelevant to the extradition because he cannot be extradited twice to the same country. Therefore it shouldn't matter whether those charges are dropped or not as the matter is already decided by the Appellate Court. However, Bout's lawyer is now saying that he will contest the dropping of the money laundering charges, as if a court decision against extradition on those charges would negate the Appellate Court decision to extradite him on the other charges. The grounds for delaying the extradition seem highly dubious but we should not be surprised, given the players involved and the notorious weaknesses of the judicial branch.

[rich54321]

Why does it put Thailand in a difficult postion???????? Most of everything here has followed the USA way - and yes i dont care if you nobheads disagree it HAS.

Appart from driving on the side of the road - UK

Who is putting more pressure on the GOVT. the Russians or the US at the moment the Russians - thats why he is still here - good for the FBI or CIA or whoever that is her to escort him out - FREE HOLIDAY

[Hakuchi]

So why would Russia be concerned about the US getting hold of Bout?  Fairly obvious I would think!

Why should anyone concerned about the US want or doing something in any corner of the world? Let the US rule everywhere. If you not agree, you must be surely with the axis of evil!!!

[dighambara]

Sending a plane to Don Muang was silly. It put Thailand in a difficult position

Yes, difficult to bribe himself out of prison whie a US plane sits waiting...

However, T.I.T. and with his connections I am certain his prison cell isn't as bad as yours or mine would be.

Plus, with a little time, his people can get bribes to a few more folks and then he can also escape from armed guards to a waiting helicopter - ala Khun Sa...

[personchester]

If Victor Bout is vital enough to Russian interests it wouldn't surprise me if they sent a Spetsnatz team to break him out with force. It would dirty Russian hands big time and create bad relations with Thailand but they've done things like this before.

If the Russians really want to get "Bout" out of prison they better get in touch with "Mossad" (Israel) due to their well known efficiency in dealing with matters, they are the best global operators for such activities.

[Grey11]

Why does it put Thailand in a difficult postion???????? Most of everything here has followed the USA way - and yes i dont care if you nobheads disagree it HAS.

Appart from driving on the side of the road - UK

Who is putting more pressure on the GOVT. the Russians or the US at the moment the Russians - thats why he is still here - good for the FBI or CIA or whoever that is her to escort him out - FREE HOLIDAY

Maybe the Simon Wiesenthal Center & the FBI believes him to be a German camp guard from WWII and needs to be tried for crimes against humanity. He had several plastic surgeries & could have also been the son of a German soldier from WWII. The Simon Wiesenthal Center knows how to hunt those Germans down anywhere in the world. He fled to Russia, became a Communist & only the FBI & the Simon Wiesenthal Center knew that he was really a German.

[Jingthing]

Maybe the Simon Wiesenthal Center & the FBI believes him to be a German camp guard from WWII and needs to be tried for crimes against humanity. He had several plastic surgeries & could have also been the son of a German soldier from WWII. The Simon Wiesenthal Center knows how to hunt those Germans down anywhere in the world. He fled to Russia, became a Communist & only the FBI & the Simon Wiesenthal Center knew that he was really a German.

Your rant tells us a lot about YOU, and nothing about Bout. Fascinating.

[Hakuchi]

If Victor Bout is vital enough to Russian interests it wouldn't surprise me if they sent a Spetsnatz team to break him out with force. It would dirty Russian hands big time and create bad relations with Thailand but they've done things like this before.

If the Russians really want to get "Bout" out of prison they better get in touch with "Mossad" (Israel) due to their well known efficiency in dealing with matters, they are the best global operators for such activities.

You mean sending some missiles to the prison and blow up all building in the street where his family lives?

[Jingthing]

If Victor Bout is vital enough to Russian interests it wouldn't surprise me if they sent a Spetsnatz team to break him out with force. It would dirty Russian hands big time and create bad relations with Thailand but they've done things like this before.

If the Russians really want to get "Bout" out of prison they better get in touch with "Mossad" (Israel) due to their well known efficiency in dealing with matters, they are the best global operators for such activities.

You mean sending some missiles to the prison and blow up all building in the street where his family lives?

Did I miss the memo? Is this Israel bashing month again? How time flies.

[hammered]

Victor Bouts wife has been at the FCCT and made a statement. Interesting stuff. There is no tape. She didnt meet who Jatuporn said she did and she also had US documents purporting to show pressure on the Thai government. Poltically this is an interesting one as she has called the reds liars, said the Thai government have been pressured and has somehow gained access to US documents. More than just the obvious games going on here.

Of course in strictly legal terms it probably means nothing except that if the court decides to hear the new case the US asked to have entered then the exisitng extradition decison will almosty certainly collapse as it has to be carried out within 90 days or become invalid. That seems to be the current game.

[Jingthing]

Hmmmm. Maybe this is lawyer money churning game.

[Hakuchi]

If the Russians really want to get "Bout" out of prison they better get in touch with "Mossad" (Israel) due to their well known efficiency in dealing with matters, they are the best global operators for such activities.

You mean sending some missiles to the prison and blow up all building in the street where his family lives?

Did I miss the news flash? Is this Israel bashing month again? How time flies.

After all, that is what the "Mossad" does and is known for or not? Killings, assassinations, planted bombs abroad. I didn't came up with it first. I just wanted to clarify what personchester does glorify here as the best global operators.

[brahmburgers]

This may have been mentioned earlier, I don't know, but it seems evident that the Ruskies are doing all they can to block Bout's extradition, not because they like the guy (what people do the Russians like? Nobody), ....no it's because Bout could spill beans that might implicate all sorts of Russian power brokers. ....could lead on up to top brass, could it not? Is this speculation? Yea, sure. But why else would Russian top bananas be sweating blood about an alleged arms dealer getting sent to the US?

[personchester]

Why does it put Thailand in a difficult postion???????? Most of everything here has followed the USA way - and yes i dont care if you nobheads disagree it HAS.

Appart from driving on the side of the road - UK

Who is putting more pressure on the GOVT. the Russians or the US at the moment the Russians - thats why he is still here - good for the FBI or CIA or whoever that is her to escort him out - FREE HOLIDAY

Maybe the Simon Wiesenthal Center & the FBI believes him to be a German camp guard from WWII and needs to be tried for crimes against humanity. He had several plastic surgeries & could have also been the son of a German soldier from WWII. The Simon Wiesenthal Center knows how to hunt those Germans down anywhere in the world. He fled to Russia, became a Communist & only the FBI & the Simon Wiesenthal Center knew that he was really a German.

In addition, the Simom Wiesenthal Center has requested that "Bout" be dispatched from Thailand to Germany (not to the US, nor Russia) and has further requested, indeed demanded, that the former allies re-open the Military Tribunal in Nuremberg in order to put Bout on trial there, and according to their past tradition they will not be satisfied unless the verdict results in the accused having to walk up the wooden steps ... What !