US Supreme Court Approves Extradition of 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana to India
In a pivotal decision concerning international justice, the US Supreme Court has cleared the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a 63-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent, to India. Rana, who has been detained in a Los Angeles prison, was arrested in Chicago back in 2009 by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed 166 lives, including six Americans.
Rana has been linked to David Coleman Headley, also known as “Daood Gilani,” another central figure in the attacks who turned approver and is currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US. Rana’s involvement allegedly included aiding Headley and others from Pakistan, supporting the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in orchestrating the attack.
Despite Rana’s legal efforts to fight his extradition, including an appeal to the US Supreme Court after losing in lower courts, his plea was dismissed. Rana argued that his previous acquittal in federal court in Chicago on related charges should prevent his extradition, as it could lead to a retrial in India for the same offenses, potentially facing a death sentence.
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The US Solicitor General, Elizabeth B Prelogar, recommended against hearing Rana’s appeal, and on December 23, despite opposition from Rana’s lawyer, Joshua L. Dratel, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, thus clearing the path for extradition.
This development marks a significant moment in the long pursuit of justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, highlighting the complexities of international law and cooperation in combating terrorism. As Rana awaits extradition, the eyes of both nations are on this case, hoping it brings some measure of justice and closure to a tragedy that shook Mumbai and the world.