UK and USA differ over extradition

A recent headline in the UK indirectly accuses the USA of being unfair in its extradition of a former shipping manager. It is allegeded that this manager sold batteries to undercover FBI agents that could have been used for Iranian missiles. He claims he is the victim of entrapement by the FBI.

One arguement is that a British citizen can be extradited to any country in the world without any trial or representation in the UK before being extradited. In this claim, it is said that the crime was allegedly comitted in Britain. So, if a crime has been done, he should face the judicial system in Britain, not extradited to a foreign country. Response: It is the UK who has to agree to any extradition charges brought against its citizens by a foreign government. One assumes evidence was presented to the governing body in charge of extradition that conviced them that this man ought to be tried in the US.

There is an underlying assumption that this "foreigner" will not get a fair trial in the US. No one is saying this, but reading between the lines I get this impression. The man himself has compared his case to the Islamic, so-called hate preacher, Abu Qatada, imprisioned and recently relesed from jail. The UK has not been able to extradite him to Jordan because the EU fears torture if returned. They have told the UK they are not allowed to extradite him because of possible human rights abuse. So, does this former salesman believe he will be treated less since he has been extradicted to the US? Response: In the US you are innocent until proven guilty not the other way around. There will not be any human rights issues it this case. He could have been more concerned if he had been extradited to North Korea.

Now on the other hand, the man is 63. If convicted he will probably spend the rest of his life in jail in America away from any family and friends. So for one, you really do hope he's not convicted. Maybe the evidence is not sufficient enough to return a guilty verdict. But if it is, what should be done. Well, it's not for me to decide, but maybe some grace and mercy could be shown even when the public outcry in the UK thinks the US is a cowboy state similar to Somalia or Syria.