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The U.S. alleges the Russian national offered to sell agents posing as representatives of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, large volumes of surfacetoair missiles, assault rifles, ammunition, explosives, landmines and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The ruling by a three-judge panel at the Bangkok Criminal Court hinged on differences between the Thai and U.S. governments’ characterization of FARC. While the U.S. deems FARC a terrorist group, the Thai government recognizes it as a political organization. Under Thai law, extraditions cannot be granted for political offenses.
Ruling Finds Charges Political
“The U.S. charges are not applicable under Thai law. This is a political case,” stated Judge Jittakom Wattanasin when delivering the verdict. “FARC is fighting for a political cause and is not a criminal gang. Thailand does not recognize FARC as a terrorist group. We will not extradite him to the United States.”
Judge Wattanasin stated that prosecutors have 72 hours to file an appeal; otherwise Bout will be released. If the appeal is filed he will be held pending further proceedings.
James Entwhistle, a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, told reporters he was “disappointed and mystified” by the verdict.
“We think the facts of the case, our extradition treaty and the relevant Thai law all clearly support extraditing Victor Bout to the United States to stand trial on serious terrorism charges.”
Life in Prison was Possible
Of the four charges listed in the U.S. indictment against Bout, three carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
The extradition hearings have undergone frequent delays since they began in 2008, and led to diplomatic wrangling after Russia requested custody of Bout from the Thai government. In interviews with the Associated Press, both Russian and U.S. officials have accused the other side of bribing members of the Thai government in the case.
The verdict was met with approval by officials in Moscow. “We view this decision with satisfaction, and we hope that in the nearest future, Viktor Bout will return to the motherland,” Interfax quoted a Russian foreign ministry spokesman as saying.
--Michael Mehen
Earlier in CC Watch Briefs
