PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos – A Brazilian court has ordered the re-arrest of former Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) premier Michael Misick.
The spokesman for the Governor’s Office, Neil Smith said the Brazilian Justice Minister issued his decision to refuse Misick’s appeal against a decision not to grant him political asylum.
The decision was published in the Brazilian Official Gazette on Tuesday.
Misick was first arrested on December 7 last year by Brazilian Federal Police acting on a provisional arrest warrant after his arrest was sought by the TCI Special Investigation and Prosecution Team that was set up to investigate issues arising from Sir Robin Auld’s 2008-09 Commission of Inquiry relating to alleged corruption and maladministration in his administration.
TCI prosecutors submitted formal extradition papers on January 2 this year within the required 60 day time limit from the time of Misick’s arrest.
Government officials here say it is hoped that the extradition process can now proceed unhindered.
In a statement, Smith said Misick faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration in TCI during his time in office.
“It is in the best interests of the TCI that allegations of wrong doing are thoroughly investigated and that Michael Misick returns there as soon as possible to answer these charges. As Michael Misick was born in a British Overseas Territory, he is, therefore, receiving British Consular Assistance; he was last visited by British consular officials on Monday 15 April in Sao Paulo,” Smith added. (CMC)
