(ANSA) Venice, April 8 - A Venetian court will consider
Thursday whether to accept a request by Turkey for extradition
on charges of being a suspected Dhkp-c. terrorist group
recruiter of Unal Erden, a Turkish doctor arrested Tuesday while
on holiday in the lagoon city, judicial sources say.
Erden's lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, said he is confident the
extradition request will be rejected since Austria where Erden
lives recognises he is a political refugee.
"We are in a strong position because of then recognition of
a state like Austria that gives unequivocal certainty that our
client is a victim and not a murderer," Canestrini told ANSA.
"This is a sadly political case borne out of the incapacity
of the Turkish government to justify that happened, opening a
sort of hunt for scapegoats".
In addition to the hearing Thursday, Erden's case will be
influenced by bilateral contacts between Italian and Turkish
authorities that will require at least six weeks for transfer of
documents before a final decision will be made, judicial sources
say.
The Venice Appeal Court presided over by Judge Giacomo Sartea
formally will ask Erden if he accepts extradition voluntarily to
Turkey and if not will decide whether to confirm his arrest.
"Voluntary extradition will be rejected," Canestrini said, "in
the case of confirmation, house arrest will be confirmed".
Venice to consider Turk's extradition
Defense lawyer says Unal Erden political refugee, scapegoat