Abyss
01-31-2005, 04:52 PM
Extradition Ordered
by TJ Reporter - 31 Jan
A Holocaust survivor has lost a last-ditch bid to escape extradition to South Africa amid claims he would not survive a prison sentence there.
Manfred Zachel, formerly of Torquay, is wanted to answer charges of fraud, forgery and buggery on a male under 16, allegations he denies.
Zachel, who fought for the Dutch resistance in the Second World War, fled to Britain in 1997 after being held in a South African prison for nine months without charge. He was arrested soon after and has been held in prison ever since.
After his arrest the home secretary ordered his return to South Africa to face charges made against him in the meantime.
And last week Britain’s high court rejected Zachel’s argument that prison conditions in South Africa would exacerbate his poor health.
But his lawyers have pledged to take the fight to the European Court of Human Rights.
Steven Powles said his client currently suffers from a wide range of ailments, including gastrectomy and anaemia.
He said: "The secretary of state erred in accepting South Africa's assurances that Mr Zachel's various medical conditions will be adequately cared for upon his return.
"In the event that his health problems cannot be cared for in South Africa, it would amount to a violation of article 3 of the European convention on human rights - which bans torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
But Mr Justice Moses said: "There is substantial evidence that assurances have been given by South Africa in this case, and there is no basis to say they will not be able to meet his needs.”
http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/stories/?disp_type=0&disp_story=lbWIoD
by TJ Reporter - 31 Jan
A Holocaust survivor has lost a last-ditch bid to escape extradition to South Africa amid claims he would not survive a prison sentence there.
Manfred Zachel, formerly of Torquay, is wanted to answer charges of fraud, forgery and buggery on a male under 16, allegations he denies.
Zachel, who fought for the Dutch resistance in the Second World War, fled to Britain in 1997 after being held in a South African prison for nine months without charge. He was arrested soon after and has been held in prison ever since.
After his arrest the home secretary ordered his return to South Africa to face charges made against him in the meantime.
And last week Britain’s high court rejected Zachel’s argument that prison conditions in South Africa would exacerbate his poor health.
But his lawyers have pledged to take the fight to the European Court of Human Rights.
Steven Powles said his client currently suffers from a wide range of ailments, including gastrectomy and anaemia.
He said: "The secretary of state erred in accepting South Africa's assurances that Mr Zachel's various medical conditions will be adequately cared for upon his return.
"In the event that his health problems cannot be cared for in South Africa, it would amount to a violation of article 3 of the European convention on human rights - which bans torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
But Mr Justice Moses said: "There is substantial evidence that assurances have been given by South Africa in this case, and there is no basis to say they will not be able to meet his needs.”
http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/stories/?disp_type=0&disp_story=lbWIoD