PN Insists Daniel Meli Should Not Be Extradited To The USA
The Nationalist Party has urged the government to step in to stop the extradition of Daniel Meli to the USA, where he is wanted for allegedly selling malware on the dark web.
In a strong statement, the PN said Opposition Leader Bernard Grech and Shadow Justice Minister Karol Aquilina met up with Meli’s parents Lucienne Meli Bellizzi and Chris Meli this week to discuss their son’s case.
“The government shouldn’t agree to the extradition of Maltese citizens when it is clear that their alleged crimes were committed in Malta, more so when the alleged crimes are also crimes in Maltese law,” PN said.
“The final decision as to whether he will be extradited or not will be taken by the government after the ongoing court procedures conclude, and the PN’s position is that the government shouldn’t allow Meli to be extradited.”
“Rather, it must ensure that the Maltese authorities proceed against him in the Maltese courts, and if he is found guilty, he should serve his sentence in our country.”
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They also called for the law to be updated to allow people to appeal their extradition even when they themselves had originally consented to it, as Meli had done following the legal advice of his then lawyer Joe Giglio, who is also a PN MP.
He is now being represented by Franco Debono and Arthur Azzopardi, who are attempting to fight the extradition.
Daniel Meli’s parents have publicly urged the government to take action to stop their son’s extradition to the US and ensure he faces charges and potential sentencing in Malta instead.
“He will be sent to America alone. No one will see him. No one will help him,” Lucienne told Lovin Malta. “There are very degrading prisons with a high rate of violence. Dirty prisons, a lot of murder, overcrowded, practically non-existent medical care. When you realise that your son might be sent there, you start to understand that there is a good chance he will never return.”
The government has said it is closely monitoring the developments in Meli’s case.
“While it is essential to unreservedly respect the judicial process, which is currently at the stage of a Constitutional Appeal, the government is taking into account the judgments already delivered by the Maltese Courts, as well as the declarations regarding Mr Meli’s health, considering the unique nature and legal complexities of the situation,” it said.
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