Mozambique ex-minister extradition hearing postponed

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South Africa’s High Court has postponed for three weeks a hearing challenging the extradition of a former Mozambican finance minister back home.

Manuel Chang is accused of corruption after allegedly receiving bribes to sign off on international loans of $2bn (£1.5bn) intended to buy fishing trawlers and military patrol boats. However, much of it was allegedly diverted to government officials.

The 66-year-old denies any wrongdoing.

Since his detention in December 2018 – at the request of the United States – the South African government has been considering rival extradition requests.

Mr Chang is wanted in both the US and Mozambique for his alleged part in the scandal.

South Africa court blocks extradition of Mozambique ex-finance minister

Earlier this week, South Africa’s justice department said it had decided he should go to Mozambique, where a trial has just started for others caught up in the scandal.

But this decision has been challenged by the Mozambique Budget Monitoring Forum (FMO), a group of civil society organisations.

It argues he will not face proper justice at home.

The case will be reviewed on Friday 17 September.

 

 

 

BBC/Emmanuel Ukoh

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