WikiLeaks alleged Russia bribed Bout witnesses

[webfact]

WIKILEAKS

Wikileaks alleged Russia bribed Bout witnesses

By The Nation

US diplomats alleged that Russia bribed witnesses to block the extradition of suspected international arms traffickers Viktor Bout to the US, according to WikiLeaks cables.

Diplomats in Bangkok alleged in cables released by WikiLeaks that Bout's "Russian supporters" had paid witnesses to give false testimony during his extradition hearing.

Dubbed the "merchant of death," Bout was seized by the Thai authorities in March 2008 but only extradited to the US on November 16 this year. The US accused him of conspiring to sell millions of dollars of weapons to Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebels to kill Americans. The Kremlin strongly opposed his extradition.

In a cable written on February 13, 2009, US diplomats said that in the year after Bout's arrest, extradition proceedings in Thailand were "going in the way we want" - albeit at a "painfully slow" pace.

More recently, however, the case had taken a worryingly wrong turn: "There have been disturbing indications that Bout's ... and Russian supporters have been using money and influence in an attempt to block extradition," the diplomats reported.

Bout's claim was that he had flown to Thailand on official government business. American agents posing as Farc rebels arrested him in a sting operation in a Bangkok hotel after he allegedly agreed to sell them millions of dollars of weapons.

Guardian online reported that On February 12, 2009, the US ambassador in Bangkok, Eric John, raised his concerns about the case in a meeting with Thailand's prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva.

He warned that the extraditions proceedings had become "tainted as a result of the efforts by Bout's associates to bribe Thai officials".

John said the Americans had uncovered several examples of influence and corruption. These included the false testimony by a witness, an attempt to procure the personal secretary of the crown prince of Thailand to testify on Bout's behalf, and "evidence of bribery schemes gathered throughout the world".

The online reported Abhisit gave a noncommittal response, promising to examine any irregularities. In August 2009, the judge ruled Bout could not be extradited in a stunning setback to the US embassy and its "Bout team".

The ruling - appealed against by the US - prompted John to write a cable urging US President Barack Obama to telephone Abhisit and initiate "a serious discussion of our concerns over the implications of the Bout verdict".

"We believe Potus [president of the US] involvement on Bout would have a significant effect here," he pleaded.

The ambassador suggested a gambit to shame Moscow if Bout was freed to go back to Russia. "We should consider asking the Russians to prosecute Bout if, in the end, he walks here in Thailand. At the very least perhaps we could force the Russians to publicly refuse to do so."

Other cables reveal that Bout's fleet of aircraft - allegedly used to deliver arms to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo - are currently rusting at an airstrip in the United Arab Emirates. On 7 January 2010, the US consulate reported several of his Soviet cargo planes were stuck at the "sleepy" Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) airport.

-- The Nation 2010-12-02

[Thai at Heart]

I just read the documents themselves. several ******** to block out one persons name. Quite an interesting read and some good legal opinions about the Bout case and how it could effect Thailand's chances of getting another country to extradite youknowwho.

[mythBuster]

Although the Bout cables may come in handy. The cables that will be published about the cozy conversations with the elite will make uncomfortable reading.

This is the publication schedule:

http://thaicables.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thailand_decode.pdf

[w11guy]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

[webfact]

US cables reveal bribe fears in Thai Bout arms case

by Kelly Macnamara

BANGKOK, December 2, 2010 (AFP) - Russian associates of alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout tried to block his extradition to America by bribing a key witness in the case, US diplomats warned in secret cables released Thursday.

Two documents published on the WikiLeaks website detailed US frustrations during its attempts to gain custody of the former Russian military officer, who it accuses of terrorism and running a huge weapons-trafficking business.

Bout, whose story inspired the 2005 Nicolas Cage film "Lord of War", was arrested in a sting operation in Bangkok by Thai and US forces in March 2008 and was extradited to New York in November after a protracted legal battle.

A cable sent in August 2009, soon after a Thai court refused a US extradition request, said there had been "significant indications that the Russians were trying to use bribes to influence the outcome of the case".

This had earlier prompted ambassador Eric John to gain assurances from the Thai prime minister to ensure the case was "free of inappropriate influence".

A previous cable, dated February last year, said the ambassador had told Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of "growing concern" about the case.

John laid out evidence that the extradition proceedings were "tainted as a result of the efforts by Bout’s associates to bribe Thai officials", it added.

The ambassador detailed "false testimony" from an official -- whose name has been redacted -- who claimed Bout had been in Thailand to conduct "official business with the government relating to a submarine project".

The US embassy in Bangkok believed the witness statement -- if it had not been proven false -- would have obstructed the extradition based on the "erroneous conclusion" that Thailand had official dealings with Bout.

Other attempts to derail the process included a scheme to "arrest and thereby embarrass" two US diplomats -- both assigned to the investigation -- on allegations that they took illegal recordings of Bout on the day of his arrest.

Bout was nabbed at the five-star Sofitel hotel in Bangkok while negotiating with US agents posing as guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

In a career spanning two decades, the burly Russian allegedly stoked violence from Sierra Leone to Afghanistan by bartering deals for planes and guns.

The August 2009 cable said the Thai court decision to reject its initial extradition request had "dubious legal reasoning" and could hurt Thai prosecutions in the future.

"The lead judge's foray into foreign policy, rejecting the terrorism label and in effect embracing the FARC's activities as purely political in nature, not criminal or acts of terrorism, has implications for Thailand," it said.

The message questioned "whether we can count on the Thai courts to do the right thing on high-profile extradition cases" that affect relations with a third country.

"Our reluctant conclusion is that we cannot," it said.

In a sign of how seriously the case was taken, US diplomats urged plans for a telephone call between President Barack Obama and Abhisit to be accelerated.

Talks should include "serious discussion of our concerns over the implications of the Bout verdict", the August cable said.

Abhisit on Thursday rejected suggestions that he had spoken to the US leader.

The case strained US-Russian ties, with Moscow initially denouncing Bout's sudden departure from Thailand as an "extreme injustice".

But Russia has since softened its tone and distanced itself from the highly controversial figure.

Bout has always maintained his innocence, insisting he runs a legitimate air cargo business, and pleaded not guilty in a New York court in November.

He faces between 25 years and life in prison if convicted.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-12-02

[marquess]

Although the Bout cables may come in handy. The cables that will be published about the cozy conversations with the elite will make uncomfortable reading.

This is the publication schedule:

http://thaicables.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thailand_decode.pdf

More leaks please if helps to expose the hypocrisy of the so called 'world leaders'

[AsiaCheese]

Although the Bout cables may come in handy. The cables that will be published about the cozy conversations with the elite will make uncomfortable reading.

This is the publication schedule:

http://thaicables.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thailand_decode.pdf

My guess is that articles to do with Thailand will be censored. While cablegate.wikileaks.org as such is accessible, try clicking on the "Keep Us Strong" link at the top -- Mr. Censor says get lost, you can't get at it...

[afarang]

Adobe reader says the file is damaged and cannot be repaired, dam77it

[afarang]

Adobe reader says the file is damaged and cannot be repaired, dam77it

[Robroy]

The latest Wikileaks release is the best thing to happen to government transparency in many years.

Let's hope there are more of them.

[AsiaCheese]

Adobe reader says the file is damaged and cannot be repaired, dam77it

It's not [damaged] -- you might have a bad connection and the download is interrupted or something... Its size is 1.1MB; try right-clicking the link and "Save as...".

[SergeiY]

In August 2009, the judge ruled Bout could not be extradited in a stunning setback to the US embassy and its "Bout team".

Yes, because for the court saw FARC as political rather than a terrorist group .

And the cable revealed what was the so called "Bout team" considering to do then.

One idea was to contact the Colombian Government inquiring whether Colombia considers the FARC to be a terrorist organization and if they would be willing to support the extradition request.

That means that in that in their Bout/FARC case they never ever contacted the Colombian authorities before and the specialist in the "Bout team" didn't even knew if FARC is seen as terrorist group in Colombia.

The cable also notes that the EU listed FARC as terrorists, but not the UN and they should do something about it and try to get FARC listed as terrorist by the UN.

[maxman71]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

[ChiangMaiThai]

We suggest that Washington strongly consider the following actions: -- In addition to the Department calling in the Thai Ambassador, we recommend that Attorney General Holder also call him in. AG Holder could point out the extensive U.S. commitment of law enforcement resources to Thailand (DEA and other), as well as our judicial training efforts, and that a statement from the RTG as outlined above would be very helpful as the U.S. decides where best to commit its law enforcement resources around the world. A senior DEA official might also wish to sit in to highlight the massive DEA commitment to Thailand.

------

This is interesting to me. At least it shows what we already know, that there was massive pressure from the Americans to rule to extradite. I guess we can conclude that the Americans don't trust the Thai justice system to produce a valid judgement and therefore decided to pull out all kinds of reminders as to what great friends they have been to the Thais over the years.

Team America. World Police.

[hardy1943]

The latest Wikileaks release is the best thing to happen to government transparency in many years.

Let's hope there are more of them.

So what is the big news. Those private dealings among the elite or should I say leaders has been going on since the beginning of mankind.

If anyone believes what they read in the news paper or get reported on TV or even most of what is posted here may as well believe in the Easter Bunny.

[SomchaiCNX]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

Yes, US companies and the US use bribes or installs friendly governments when they think they can get away with it.

So are plenty of other countries, so what is the problem? You don't need to be an USA basher to understand that.

Member of the tea party?

Remember the Lockheed bribes in Europe for the starfighter?

Remember the cancellation of the Airbus deal for the airforce.

[vicco]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

Yep..there is an over abundance of these idiots on the forums. Everybody is always right except America. Everybody holds the moral high ground except Americans.

In the minds of these nanny state morons, even Russian (the Mafia state) and the Chinese with their wonderful system of governance and sterling human right records should be supported but never America. Back the FARC, the Taliban, N. Korea., Mugabe...anybody but America....Idiots...

(PS I'm not American, but I have spend a lot of time in the US and appreciate all the good stuff that is also American, so have never found it necessary to join the whining anti US bandwagon)...

[moskito]

anyway, I hope WIKILEAKS is keeping up the fine work....somehow I doubt it, just today it was in the news that Wiki Boss raped a woman....how convinient (((((-: ....I doubt its true, but its the way the mass media works and it make us even more aware for whom they are working

[gbswales]

If Wikileaks want to be sensational then I hardly think that leaking news of a bribe is the way to go

[moskito]

[America. Back the FARC, the Taliban, N. Korea., Mugabe...anybody but America....Idiots...

...so you just forgot that the USAmericans created the Taliban? btw, for the same reason they wanted Bout now.....but sure, you are right, its a big difference to kill Russians or Iraquis as Israeli or UScitizens.

Its not that most people hate USAmericans, they just hate the government there and what it stands for TRULY. Thats not humanity its just business!

[Smee]

Tried accessing the "Keep Us Strong" link on wikileaks (http://58.97.5.29/an...w.capothai.org/)

and got the following message from Big Brother:

การเข้าถึงข้อมูลดังกล่าวนี้ ถูกระงับเป็นการชั่วคราว

โดยอาศัยอำนาจตามพระราชกำหนดการบริหารราชการ ในสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉิน พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๘

ตามคำสั่งของศูนย์อำนวยการแก้ไขสถานการณ์ฉุกเฉิน

________________________________________

An access to such information has been temporarily ceased

due to the order of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES)

under the authority of emergency decree B.E 2548 (A.D. 2005).

Edited December 2, 2010 by Smee

[hardy1943]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

To bash Americans on Thaivisa has be fashionable for several years now.When I first joined it was not so.

[whybother]

Bye Bye.

[tmcard]

Its not about liking or not liking Americans, its about politics & politicians ! American foreign politics don't have a great reputation, which they do not want to change. I have family in the states & love the country, but u sure do have a great bunch of uneducated and brainwashed people over there, which makes it so easy for your politicians to pretty much do what they want & they seem to screw up this planet more & more. In the end its all of us paying the bill!

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

Yep..there is an over abundance of these idiots on the forums. Everybody is always right except America. Everybody holds the moral high ground except Americans.

In the minds of these nanny state morons, even Russian (the Mafia state) and the Chinese with their wonderful system of governance and sterling human right records should be supported but never America. Back the FARC, the Taliban, N. Korea., Mugabe...anybody but America....Idiots...

(PS I'm not American, but I have spend a lot of time in the US and appreciate all the good stuff that is also American, so have never found it necessary to join the whining anti US bandwagon)...

[Bakseedaa]

Although the Bout cables may come in handy. The cables that will be published about the cozy conversations with the elite will make uncomfortable reading.

This is the publication schedule:

http://thaicables.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thailand_decode.pdf

More leaks please if helps to expose the hypocrisy of the so called 'world leaders'

No more leaks please.... there are some thing I do not want to know.... many of us do not want to know... and remember, there are 2 sides to every story..! Wikileaks only show one side.

[Bakseedaa]

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

I think he was just trying to be funny with his post.... and it was quite funny...! Take a valium..!!

[sydneyjed]

Its not about liking or not liking Americans, its about politics & politicians ! American foreign politics don't have a great reputation, which they do not want to change. I have family in the states & love the country, but u sure do have a great bunch of uneducated and brainwashed people over there, which makes it so easy for your politicians to pretty much do what they want & they seem to screw up this planet more & more. In the end its all of us paying the bill!

Bad luck Russia. Obviously America's bribes were bigger than yours.

OK, smart-ass, let's see your proof that the US bribed/coerced anyone to hand over Bout. Or are you just another one of the "Bash the US Because It's Fashionable and I Want To Be With the Cool Crowd of Ultra-Politically Correct/Nanny State Types"???

Yep..there is an over abundance of these idiots on the forums. Everybody is always right except America. Everybody holds the moral high ground except Americans.

In the minds of these nanny state morons, even Russian (the Mafia state) and the Chinese with their wonderful system of governance and sterling human right records should be supported but never America. Back the FARC, the Taliban, N. Korea., Mugabe...anybody but America....Idiots...

(PS I'm not American, but I have spend a lot of time in the US and appreciate all the good stuff that is also American, so have never found it necessary to join the whining anti US bandwagon)...

The Aussie guy benind WikiLeaks has been in hiding since last week but did give a live skype interview today to the Washington Post... only heard a small fraction of it,but in it he stated that Hillory Clinton should be the one that resigns right now,as it is her that has been responsible for compromising natinal security.He justifys this statement by saying that America openly encouraged it's diplomats to snoop for dirty laundry within the UN ranks .There is no transparency he added, with the U.S and these leaked documents prove this beyond doubt...America is only interested in America and can't be trusted!!He pledged to release a hundred documents a day and laughed off the sexual assault charges against him!!A spokesman for the WhiteHouse branded him an 'anarchist'..Another interview with his London based lawyer was also shown...This will be a cracker of a movie if this ever eventuates!!!

[a99az]

What a twisted world we live in. He, who can spin a good story wins. It would be intresting to know who kill JFK and why, and why the US have failed to catch the worlds most wanted man on the planet.

If only we could see through the vail of lies cast by the world powers, who do the bidding of the very few rich and powerfull.

[LaoPo]

anyway, I hope WIKILEAKS is keeping up the fine work....somehow I doubt it, just today it was in the news that Wiki Boss raped a woman....how convinient (((((-: ....I doubt its true, but its the way the mass media works and it make us even more aware for whom they are working

That wasn't today, it was already earlier this year; the accusations came from 2 women he allegedly had a relation with.

On August 21 the Prosecutors in Sweden withdrew the case and arrest warrant:

"In a brief statement Saturday, chief prosecutor Eva Finne says: “I don’t think there is reason to suspect that he has committed rape.” *

Later that month the accusations came back but now as an allegation of "sexual harassment".

According to a well respected Swedish journalist who is making a documentary about Assange (aired in 1,5 weeks) there is no evidence whatsoever and everybody is guessing why the heck Assange is put on an Interpol list because of alleged "sexual harrasment".

Never happened before and Interpol is used by some strange powerful forces, so it seems.

One can only guess

* sorry: not allowed to give a link anymore.

LaoPo

[moskito]

Bye Bye.

hope too, the 69th post was his last one....or is that the average answer now in TV?