AG won't intervene to stop extradition of Ish & Steve

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told the media Friday he will not intervene to stop the extradition of Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson to the United states to to face trial there on corruption charges.

Ramlogan told reporters he would decline the invitation to intervene at this stage of the matter, which is before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

"I feel that it ought to be allowed to take its course," he said adding that it would be premature to make any decision that might hamper the progress of the matter.

However he said he remains open "to receiving representation from the gentlemen in question via their attorneys at the appropriate time, so that due consideration can be given to their requests, after the courts have adjudicated on the matter at the Judicial Committee level."

Ramlogan made it clear that in his view and the view of the People's Partnership government there are no double standards.

"The People’s Partnership is committed to the rule of law and equality of treatment before the law. Our position is that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail and these are matters for the courts to decide," he said.

The AG also answered questions about the recent ruling against the Jamaat al Muslimeen, stating that he is awaiting a report on the matter before deciding on the sale of the Jamaat’s assets.

A court has ordered the Jamaat's properties be sold to settle a debt of more than $32 million owing to the State for the destruction of the police headquarters building during the Jamaat-led failed coup in 1990. The previous government failed to act on the matter.