Published: 24/08/2010 at 12:00 AM

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/192570/us-proposes-striking-extra-bout-charges

New proceedings will 'delay his extradition'

Thailand has been asked to drop money laundering and fraud charges against accused Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to speed up his extradition to the US, a government source says.

The source said Washington, which had asked Thailand to lay the additional charges, contacted the government to withdraw them after the Appeal Court on Friday approved Mr Bout's extradition.

The prosecution submitted a fresh request seeking the extradition of Mr Bout on the charges soon after the Appeal Court ruled on Friday to extradite him.

The Criminal Court has set Oct 4 to hear the money laundering and fraud charges. The extra charges were filed following their announcement by the US prosecutors in February.

The source said Mr Bout would have to stay in Thailand longer to fight the new charges if they were not dropped.

The law requires that he be sent to the US within 90 days of the Appeal Court ruling, otherwise he should be released. The US wants him on terrorism charges.

The Corrections Department yesterday transferred Mr Bout to Bang Kwang Prison from Bangkok Remand Prison pending extradition.

The secretary to the justice minister, Fuengwich Anirutthewa, said the Russian was now in custody at one of the country's maximum security jails.

Sitthisak Wanachakij, spokesman for the Judiciary Office, confirmed yesterday that the extradition of Mr Bout could be delayed because of the fresh charges filed against him.

Mr Sitthisak said the prosecution could withdraw the new charges but it must consider the implications of such a move.

The court spokesman also called on all parties to be careful when airing criticisms about the extradition ruling.

He said certain criticisms were seen as improper and could cast doubts over the Thai courts and justice system.

He said the court ruling was in line with the constitution and free of intervention by any government.

"Criticism and opinions should be based on facts and evidence, and in compliance with international practice in which mutual respect is observed," he said.

Mr Sitthisak said the court was fully aware of the good bilateral ties Thailand had with Russia and the US and it had seen to it that the decision was a just one.

He said it was not prohibited to criticise a ruling but some comments had implied the court ruling was subject to pressure.

"And this is based on personal belief, which is improper. We do not criticise the justice system or courts in such a manner," he said.

Mr Bout's wife denounced the court ruling, saying it was unfair and was the result of pressure from the US. Moscow said the ruling was political.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday said the case had been in the spotlight because it involved two superpowers.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said Thailand had no need to explain the court's ruling to the Russian government.

Mr Bout, a 43-year-old former Russian air force pilot, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted in the US on charges including conspiracy to kill US nationals and to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organisation.