(Antigua Observer) One of the local attorneys representing wanted diamond dealer Mehul Choksi has indicated that the issue surrounding his possible extradition from Antigua and Barbuda to India is still before the court.
Justin Simon QC made that disclosure over the weekend saying the first hearing should come up in November, with the government being represented by the deputy solicitor general and Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan.
Choksi is currently detained in the nature isle of Dominica pending further legal hearings.
“We actually spoke, Astaphan and myself, and agreed to the directions to be given in the order in respect of getting expert evidence or experts to come and give evidence on the matter, because a challenge is being made in respect of whether the Indian authorities had the proper legal authority to make that request,” the noted attorney said.
They have also received trial directions from the court, although a fixed hearing date is not yet set.
The wanted man’s legal team is challenging the constitutionality of the process as well as the request for extradition. There are two matters pending in respect to his application.
