Australian government wants to extradite Dragan

The Australian Government has sought the permission to appeal against the court's decision to keep 'Captain Dragan' in Australia.

The Australian Government has sought the permission of the Supreme Court to appeal against the verdict that Captain Dragan cannot be extradited to Croatia.

Australian High Court received the request on Thursday for permission to appeal against the verdict that prevents the extradition of Australian national Dragan Vasiljkovic, also known as Captain Dragan, to Croatia. Vasiljevic was indicted for war crimes in Croatia, where he led a paramilitary unit during early 90’s, Australian media reports.

Interior Ministry spokesman, Brendan O'Connor, said that his government sought a special permission to file an appeal against the verdict of the Federal Court which ruled that Vasiljkovic should not be extradited to Croatia due to potential bias of Croatia’s jurisdiction – The Australian reports.

Captain Dragan was arrested in January 2006 after Croatia filed an international warrant for his arrest.

Simunovic: I expect Vasiljkovic’s extradition

In Croatia, Vasiljkovic is known as Captain Dragan, but in Australia, he has lived under the name Daniel Snedden. He has been released from custody by the recent decision of the Australian Federal Court.

- As soon as the High Court opens the door this morning, we will file our appeal - O'Connor’s spokesman said.

Office of Brendan O'Connor confirmed that they will complain because the Croatian Justice Minister, Ivan Simonovic, also said that “if Croatia has the right to appeal the decision against Dragan Vasiljkovic’s extradition, it will certainly do it”.

- Representatives of the Croatian Ministry of Justice and the Australian Bureau of Chief Prosecutor are in continuous dialogue - Simonovic said.

If the High Court allows the request, we will be able to appeal against non-extradition

Croatian Ministry reported on Thursday that they have gathered the additional documentation in which they  argument Croatia’s request for Vasiljkovic and questions court’s decision. Documentation was delivered to Australian prosecution on September 13, and in accordance with Australian regulations, appeal request was forwarded to the High Court of Australia.

If the High Court grants the request, the appeal against non-extradition of Vasiljkovic would be filed immediately, explains the ministry and ads that they do not know  the exact date when this would happen.

They also add that they have been in close constant with prosecutors in Australia and that they plan to continue their excellent cooperation, either directly, or through the Croatian Embassy in Canberra.