Australian Judge Rejects US Marine Pilot's Extradition Appeal
An Australian federal court judge has dismissed an appeal by former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan, clearing the way for his extradition to the United States. Duggan faces charges for allegedly illegally training Chinese military aviators in 2010 and 2012 while employed by the Test Flying Academy of South Africa. Justice James Stellios ruled that former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus made no jurisdictional error in ordering the extradition in 2024. Prosecutors allege Duggan conspired to provide unlicensed training and received approximately 88,000 Australian dollars in payments. Duggan, who has been detained in maximum security since his 2022 arrest in New South Wales, denies the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated. His wife, Saffrine Duggan, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for justice, indicating that lawyers may seek further appeals or ask current Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to reverse the order. The case stems from a 2016 U.S. indictment unsealed in late 2022, highlighting ongoing legal tensions regarding international military training regulations and export controls.
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Australian Judge Rejects US Marine Pilot's Extradition Appeal
An Australian federal court judge has dismissed an appeal by former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan, clearing the way for his extradition to the United States. Duggan faces charges for allegedly illegally training Chinese military aviators in 2010 and 2012 while employed by the Test Flying Academy of South Africa. Justice James Stellios ruled that former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus made no jurisdictional error in ordering the extradition in 2024. Prosecutors allege Duggan conspired to provide unlicensed training and received approximately 88,000 Australian dollars in payments. Duggan, who has been detained in maximum security since his 2022 arrest in New South Wales, denies the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated. His wife, Saffrine Duggan, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for justice, indicating that lawyers may seek further appeals or ask current Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to reverse the order. The case stems from a 2016 U.S. indictment unsealed in late 2022, highlighting ongoing legal tensions regarding international military training regulations and export controls.
AP News