Bout's lawyer files appeal: To reinstate dropped charges!

[Khun Don]

Bout's lawyer files appeal
Published: 8/10/2010 at 04:29 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

The lawyer for Russian arms shipper Viktor Bout on Friday filed an appeal against the Criminal Court's decision to drop charges of money laundering and wire fraud against his client.

The court's decision removed a major legal obstacle to the lengthy extradition proceedings which surround Mr Bout's transfer to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States of America.

The appeal, filed by lawyer Lak Nitiwattanawicharn, was made in the hope that the charges of money-laundering and fraud would be reinstated, allowing Mr Bout to spend longer in Thailand and further delay extradition.

The Appeal Court on Aug 20 approved Mr Bout's extradition to the US to stand trial on terrorism-related charges which could land him in prison for life.

The extradition must take place within 90 days, or by Nov 20.

However, the appeal filed today could extend the legal battle in Thailand beyond Nov 20.

Sirisak Tiyaphan, chief of the international affairs office of the Office of the Attorney-General said on Thursday that his office planned to seek an extension of the extradition period in case Mr Bout appeals.

BANGKOK POST

[David_Loves_Ubonwan]

The extradition must take place within 90 days, or by Nov 20.

Interesting, if you landed in Thailand on August 20 with a 90 day Visa Immigration would stamp November 17 as the day you must leave by/on, not November 20.

David