SA rejects US request to extradite Mozambican politician

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South Africa’s government has turned down a request from the US to extradite Mozambique’s former Finance Minister Manuel Chang to stand trial on corruption charges.

FILE PHOTO: Mozambique's former finance minister Manuel Chang appears in court during an extradition hearing in Johannesburg, South Africa, January 8, 2019. REUTERS/Shafiek Tassiem/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Mozambique’s former finance minister Manuel Chang appears in court during an extradition hearing in Johannesburg, South Africa, January 8, 2019. REUTERS/Shafiek Tassiem/File Photo

Instead, Mr Chang would be extradited to Mozambique, where he is wanted on similar charges.

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“I am satisfied that the interest of justice will be best served by acceding to the request by the Republic of Mozambique,” South Africa’s Justice Minister Michael Masutha said in a statement.

Mr Chang was arrested in South Africa in December at the request of the US for his alleged involvement in $2bn (ยฃ1.6bn) of borrowing that US authorities alleged was fraudulent.

Mozambique asked for his extradition soon after the US submitted its request.

Last month, a South African court ruled that Mr Chang could be extradited to the US.

But Mr Masutha said he took into account the fact that Mr Chang was a Mozambican, and had asked to be extradited to his home country. BBC News


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