UK to review US extradition treaty
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Sept 7, IRNA -- Home Secretary Teresa May has confirmed that Britain’s coalition government is to carry out an independent review of the controversial extradition treaty with the US, which critics say is unbalanced in favour of Washington.
“I am well aware of the range of concerns that exist in relation to the extradition treaty between the UK and the USA. That is why the coalition Government have agreed that we should have this review of the extradition treaty,” May said.
She also said that the review will also look at “all our extradition arrangements to ensure that they operate effectively and in the interests of justice.”
The agreement with the US, which was passed without the approval of parliament, was drawn up after the 9/11 attacks to help fight terrorism by allowing the swift transfer of suspects.
Under the treaty, American authorities need only show that a Briton is suspected of a crime there and provide an accurate description of the suspect. There is no requirement to provide prima facia evidence.
Although the agreement is directed at terrorism suspects, by last year, only one had been extradited under the rules. Instead, the law has been used to target businessmen accused of fraud and minor offenders.
Speaking in parliament on Monday, May said that she would shortly make an announcement on the chairmanship and terms of reference of the review although it is not expected to report back until next summer.
When questioned about the risks of damaging mutual trust, she said that she would reflect on the importance of the relationship between the UK and the USA,” but was also concerned about criticism over the treaty, which has been expressed by many MPs.
Particular concern was expressed by former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, who criticised the “lop-sided nature” of the treaty and the “willingness of American courts to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction and entertain prosecutions in circumstances where doing so would simply not be permitted in this country.”
The review is expected to examine giving ministers new powers to block extraditions and whether suspects accused of crimes that took place mostly in Britain but affected foreign citizens should be tried at home.
Such controversial cases include self-confessed computer hacker Gary McKinnon, who has been involved in a 5-year legal battle to prevent his extradition and possibility of being imprisoned for 60 years.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 263807
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