Viktor Bout Lawyer To Petition Thai PM Abhisit

[webfact]

Alleged Russian arms dealer's lawyer to petition Thai PM

NONTHABURI: -- 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)

-- TNA 2010-08-27

[SomTumTiger]

Dear PM Abhisit,

My client "the merchant of death", would like you to take pity on him. He didn't mean to sell all those nasty weapons to those military warlords, indirectly killing thousands in the process.. It was all just a big misunderstanding. He is sorry, please let him go free. He promises he won't do it again. The Russian government (that bastion of goodwill and non-aggression) guarantees it, and they have such a solid human rights record to back up their promise (very similar to Thailand's sterling reputation).

Sincerely,

Jacque Strap Esq.

[Robby nz]

Wonder if it was the other way round:

Russia trying to extradite a US citizen, what would be happening?

[Jingthing]

Wonder if it was the other way round:

Russia trying to extradite a US citizen, what would be happening?

The USA and Russia DO NOT have an extradition treaty in effect. Next ...

[Robby nz]

Talking about from TL But:

In that case Jing how is it that the US is trying to get a Russian.

No treaty right?

[Jingthing]

Talking about from TL But:

In that case Jing how is it that the US is trying to get a Russian.

No treaty right?

Treaty is with THAILAND. Next ...

[Piengrudee]

Bud guys have to go. There is no place inn Thailand for Arm dealers. Just see what happens to Thaksin.

[Moruya]

Wonder if it was the other way round:

Russia trying to extradite a US citizen, what would be happening?

The USA and Russia DO NOT have an extradition treaty in effect. Next ...

I believe he means extradited from Thailand - same as VB.

[Robby nz]

Wonder if it was the other way round:

Russia trying to extradite a US citizen, what would be happening?

Now that we all know I mean Russia trying to extradite a US citizen from Thailand.

You might like to answer the origional Question Jing.

[Jingthing]

I reckon that would depend. As far as I know there is no US private citizen with the kind of profile as the famous Russkie merchant of death. If it was some small person like a murderer, I am not so sure the US would make a federal case about it. Hard to say, it is a good question though.

[Piengrudee]

This guy is bad, because the USA tell us that he is bad. Have we heard from the USSR side? No.

[oldgeezer]

This guy is bad, because the USA tell us that he is bad. Have we heard from the USSR side? No.

A long and interesting story of Victor Bout and the international arms business.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/magazine/17BOUT.html?ei=5070&en=64107baa91d5594e&ex=1237521600&pagewanted=all&position=

[SomTumTiger]

This guy is bad, because the USA tell us that he is bad. Have we heard from the USSR side? No.

USSR 555555. How old were those books you used in school?