New treaty eases extradition procedures

The new extradition treaty signed last week between Belize and the United States will make it easier for accused criminals wanted in one country to be sent back from the other for trial. According to Solicitor General Edwin Flowers, the treaty covers a number of new crimes not mentioned in the previous treaty signed with Great Britain prior to Belize’s independence. These include money laundering, writing of bad cheques, consumer protection and environmental violations as well as various weapons and explosives charges. The new agreement also extends the length of pre-extradition detention from 45 to 60 but gives the accused access to the courts to apply for early release. One man who will not be affected by the new treaty is Rhett Fuller. On February 26th 1999, Chief Magistrate Herbert Lord ruled that there is sufficient evidence for Fuller to be extradited to the U.S. Fuller is wanted in the States in connection with the 1990 killing of Larry Miller, a Florida resident who died during an armed robbery attempt. Kirk Anderson, Fuller’s defense attorney, says he is concerned that hearsay evidence is being considered by the U.S as sufficient cause to extradite Fuller. Lord’s decision has been appealed. It is not known yet when that case will be heard by the Supreme Court. Presently Fuller is being held at the Youth Enhancement Academy pending a decision on an application for bail.