Extradition of alleged people smuggler
The Hon Bob Debus and Senator Chris Evans - Joint media release
Wednesday, 26 May 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, have welcomed the arrest of alleged people smuggler Hadi Ahmadi following his extradition from Indonesia.
Hadi Ahmadi was arrested and taken into custody upon his arrival in Perth today.
Ahmadi will face prosecution for 21 people smuggling offences relating to his alleged involvement in four boat arrivals in 2001.
He was arrested in Indonesia on 29 June 2008, and an Indonesian court later found him eligible for extradition to Australia. On 20 April 2009 President Yudhoyono signed a decree approving the extradition.
Mr Debus said the extradition was the result of ongoing and close cooperation between Australia and Indonesia in the fight against people smuggling.
'Australia is grateful to Indonesia for its bilateral cooperation which demonstrates the strength of the Lombok Treaty and the broader cooperation of the Bali Process.'
Senator Evans said the Australian Government would continue to work with regional partners to deal with issues involving irregular migration and people smugglers.
'The Government has renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to prevent and deter people from attempting to enter Australia unlawfully,' Senator Evans said.
Serious penalties and prosecutions are part of this Government's tough approach to combating people smuggling, which is a dangerous crime that exploits vulnerable people.
The maximum penalty for the offence of people smuggling is 20 years' imprisonment under section 232A of the Migration Act 1958.
The Rudd Government has committed $654 million for a whole of government approach to people smuggling in this year's budget and has maintained a system of excision, mandatory detention and offshore processing on Christmas Island of all unauthorised boat arrivals.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09044.htm
Last update: 27 May 2009 at 09:47 AEST