The House of Representatives has approved a bill to expand the list of countries to which Antigua and Barbuda can extradite suspected criminals.
The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Act 2024 enhances the Attorney General’s authority to assist foreign nations in criminal investigations.
This new legislation allows the government to aid foreign countries if they assure reciprocal assistance and the offense’s seriousness justifies it. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin noted current laws only permit extradition to Commonwealth nations and those with existing treaties.
The amendment sets criteria for the Attorney General, including national security considerations, citizen welfare, and identifying suspects. Sir Steadroy emphasized, “We must do everything in our power to ensure persons facing trial return, whether within the Commonwealth or elsewhere, if justified. Without a treaty, we cannot act on such requests.”
The amendment also outlines how foreign nations can request help, specifying the compliance period and the status of criminal proceedings.
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