12 Jul 2013

Extradition of suspected people smuggler denied

7:42 am on 12 July 2013

A court in Indonesia has ruled against extraditing accused people smuggler Sayed Abbas to Australia to face charges.

Abbas is wanted in Australia on 27 charges of people smuggling relating to three boat trips from Indonesia between 2009 and 2011.

The ABC reports the federal government has been seeking Abbas's extradition for years.

After months of hearings, the chief justice of the South Jakarta District Court denied the extradition request.

The judge said the offences, if they did occur, were not within Australia's jurisdiction because people smuggling is not included in Australia's extradition treaty with Indonesia.

The judge said if it was to be a political extradition arranged between Australia and Indonesia, a letter from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would be needed. The ABC reports no such letter was provided.

Abbas said he was very happy and relieved with the decision. He denied the charges against him.

Defence lawyers and prosecutors say the court's decision cannot be appealed.