18 March 2008

Greek court orders Mokbel's extradition

A Greek court has ordered convicted drugs trafficker Tony Mokbel to return to Australia to face a string of criminal charges, including two of murder.

After a lengthy legal battle, judges at the Supreme Court in Athens granted Australia's request for Mokbel's extradition.

However the final decision on whether Mokbel returns to Melbourne still has to be made by Greece's justice minister, which could take several weeks.

Mokbel's legal team could also appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

The 43-year-old was arrested in Athens last June after fleeing Australia in early 2006 while on trial for cocaine trafficking.

He was convicted in absentia and sentenced to a minimum nine years jail.

Australian police want him returned so he can serve his time behind bars.

He also has been charged in Australia with the murders of Melbourne underworld figure Lewis Moran and drug dealer Michael Marshall and is accused of a string of other drug offences.

Mokbel was flanked by security guards and his lawyers when the court handed down its decision, with his girlfriend Danielle McGuire sitting in the back row.

Following the brief hearing, Mokbel said: "It was always going to be a tough hearing."

As he was being led back to the cells below the court building, he had a brief reunion with his baby daughter, Renate, who he kissed on the cheek and said: "I love you, babe."

Mokbel then told reporters he did not believe he could ever get a fair trial in Australia.

"You will get a fair trial anywhere (except Australia), you would probably get a fairer trial for me in Indonesia."

ninemsn, 18 March, 2008

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