Dragan Vasiljkovic (Daniel Snedden) who appeared at Sydney’s Central Local Court 12.04.2007. was informed by Deputy Chief Magistrate Paul Cloran he was eligible for surrender to the Republic of Croatia in relation to the extradition offences. He has been committed to prison to await surrender to the Republic of Croatia.

The magistrate made a comment “it is important to state that the function of this court is to determine administratively whether Mr. Snedden is eligible for surrender to Croatia. The process involves no adjudication of guilt or innocence. It is undertaken for the purpose of enabling such an adjudication to be made in a foreign place, according to foreign law, in circumstances where Australia has no intention itself of bringing the person to trial for the conduct of which the person is accused.”

The Magistrate made a final comment where he stated “the concern in the no evidence scheme, in my view emphasises the potential for persons to be wrongly extradited, albeit legally. Many lawyers would find it surprising that, in responding to a request from Croatia for the surrender to its criminal justice system of an Australian Citizen, Australia’s requirements for supporting information are less than its requirements in responding to a similar request from the United Kingdom, or the United States of America. The question of supporting information is a matter that affects human rights, and involves an important issue of public policy. This courts concern however is with legislative power, and that has been the focus of the argument.”

Mr Snedden has 15 days to apply for a review of the surrender order to the Federal Court of Australia or the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

An application is being prepared for the Federal Court of Australia and the matter is listed in Court on 19 April 2007.