UK approves Shrien Dewani extradition
The UK home secretary Theresa May has signed an order authorising the extradition of British businessman Shrien Dewani, wanted in South Africa for the murder of his Swedish wife Anni in November, the Home Office confirmed on Wednesday.
A British judge ruled on August 10th that Dewani could be extradited, but said the final decision rested with the home secretary. Dewani now has 14 days to appeal to the high court, a Home Office statement said.
"On Monday 26 September the home secretary, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Shrien Prakash Dewani's extradition to South Africa," the statement said.
"Mr Dewani now has the opportunity, within 14 days, to appeal to the High Court against the decision of the district judge and/or the home secretary."
Dewani, 31, now being treated in a mental hospital for depression and stress, is accused of murdering his new bride Anni while they visited Cape Town in November.
The newlyweds were being driven through a dangerous part of Cape Town when their taxi was hijacked. Dewani was thrown out of the vehicle while his wife was driven off and shot dead.
Driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years after turning state witness and pleaded guilty to his part in the killing. He claimed Dewani had ordered the shooting and paid him, but Dewani denies any wrongdoing.
Dewani, a businessman from Bristol in southwest England, has fought
extradition proceedings, arguing that he is too unwell.
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A British judge ruled on August 10th that Dewani could be extradited, but said the final decision rested with the home secretary. Dewani now has 14 days to appeal to the high court, a Home Office statement said.
"On Monday 26 September the home secretary, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Shrien Prakash Dewani's extradition to South Africa," the statement said.
"Mr Dewani now has the opportunity, within 14 days, to appeal to the High Court against the decision of the district judge and/or the home secretary."
Dewani, 31, now being treated in a mental hospital for depression and stress, is accused of murdering his new bride Anni while they visited Cape Town in November.
The newlyweds were being driven through a dangerous part of Cape Town when their taxi was hijacked. Dewani was thrown out of the vehicle while his wife was driven off and shot dead.
Driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years after turning state witness and pleaded guilty to his part in the killing. He claimed Dewani had ordered the shooting and paid him, but Dewani denies any wrongdoing.
Dewani, a businessman from Bristol in southwest England, has fought
extradition proceedings, arguing that he is too unwell.
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