CAN - Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said on Monday that Turkey expects Austrian officials to take a decision about the extradition of Alaattin Cakici, an organized crime lord recently arrested in Austria.
Answering questions of reporters regarding the extradition of Cakici, Cicek said that Turkey asked for the extradition and it is up to the Austrian authorities to act.
Upon a question, Cicek said that death sentence was abolished (in Turkey) and Cakici is not wanted for any political reason, stating that he should be extradited without delay. He said that it is an international law matter.
Turkish diplomats at Turkey's Embassy in Vienna submitted last week to Austrian Foreign Ministry the file prepared to support extradition demand on Alaattin Cakici. Cakici is considered as the head of an organized crime gang.
The file prepared by Turkish Justice Ministry contains all information and documents about crimes committed by Cakici in Turkey, and the judicial process regarding these crimes.
Turkish Embassy officials recalled that Turkey conveyed its request for the extradition of Cakici through a diplomatic note. They added that all legal procedure had been completed.
Cakici, who was arrested in Graz, Austria on July 14th, is kept in a cell at the Vienna State Court.
(GC-ULG) 27.07.2004