Tahawwur Rana Challenges Extradition to India in US Supreme Court
Tahawwur Rana has filed an emergency application with the US Supreme Court against his extradition to India, claiming he would face torture due to his Muslim background. Indian officials deem his efforts futile and are prepared for his eventual extradition to pursue justice for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The US Supreme Court has previously approved his extradition, acknowledging India’s commitment to justice for terrorism crimes.
Tahawwur Rana, implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has filed an emergency application with the US Supreme Court against his extradition to India. He asserts that due to his Muslim faith and Pakistani background, there exists a significant risk of torture should he be extradited, likening the situation to being sent into a “hornet’s nest.” His application references a recent UK ruling that denied the extradition of another individual on similar grounds.
Despite Rana’s legal maneuvers, Indian officials have dismissed his attempt as futile, admitting it has only slightly delayed his eventual extradition to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) until at least the end of March. A senior Indian government official expressed confidence that Rana’s extradition would ultimately occur, emphasizing that he would still be returned to India.
The US Supreme Court had previously rejected Rana’s plea against extradition on January 21, with the surrender also endorsed by the Trump administration during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington. The US State Department confirmed that the Secretary of State approved the surrender warrant, stating the government supports India in ensuring justice for the Mumbai attacks’ perpetrators.
Rana’s legal argument invokes the United Nations Convention Against Torture, claiming that US law prohibits extradition to countries where substantial grounds exist for the belief that an individual would be tortured. He argues that his situation exemplifies such a case, affirming that extradition would likely lead to his torture.
Additionally, Rana alleges that his extradition is politically motivated, citing the timing of his potential surrender in conjunction with Modi’s visit to the U.S. He fears being a target of animosity due to his background, which he argues has been highlighted by both the Indian leadership and U.S. state department reports.
Citing various health issues that he believes make torture during his extradition potentially fatal, he presents a lengthy list of medical conditions, expressing that he faces heightened risk due to his Muslim identity and past military affiliation. He asserts that under the current Indian government, there is documented discrimination against Muslims and that his life could be in jeopardy.
Rana also refers to the concerns raised in the UK high court ruling regarding another extradition case, arguing that if the extradition request for Sanjay Bhandari—who faced financial charges—was rejected on torture grounds, then his case warrants similar considerations due to the more severe charges he faces.
Currently residing in a detention facility in Los Angeles, Rana is set to be handed to the NIA at an agreed date. The NIA is eager to gather information on those responsible for the Mumbai attacks, particularly concerning the involvement of conspirators based in Pakistan, including officials from the Pakistani military and intelligence agency ISI, as well as LeT leadership.
The Mumbai attacks, executed by a terrorist group allegedly linked to Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of 166 individuals, including 24 foreigners. This incident highlighted the direct involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, following investigations into the attackers, underscoring the urgency for accountability.
In conclusion, Tahawwur Rana’s emergency application to the US Supreme Court reflects his serious concerns over potential torture if extradited to India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Although he relies on legal precedents and human rights arguments, Indian officials remain confident in his eventual extradition and the opportunity it presents for justice against the backgrounds of terror sponsorship from Pakistan. As the situation unfolds, the implications for international law and human rights remain pivotal.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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