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Extradition of Chinese couple sought

By Liz Fekete

1 December 1996

The Chinese government is seeking the extradition of an elderly Chinese couple accused of financial fraud.

But supporters of the Mandugequis, including human rights organisations, say that the real reason for their extradition is the couple's political opposition and underground activities in support of the Mongols, activities for which Mr Mandugequis spent eight years in prison in the 1960s. Since then, he readily admits collaborating with the Chinese Secret Services 'out of necessity'.

Polish law allows extradition only if the alleged crime is punishable in Poland which, according to Helsinki Watch, is patently not so in this case. In China the Mandugequis could be sentenced to life imprisonment or death, as capital punishment may be handed out for 68 different crimes. Although the Chinese authorities have given assurances that the Mandugequis would not be executed, similar assurances made to Thailand in 1993 following a successful extradition request were not honoured.Supporters fear the authorities may acquiesce to Chinese demands owing to important links with China. The Polish minister of justice recently visited China and among subjects discussed was the possible signing of an extradition treaty.

Warsaw Voice 20.10.96

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