Attorney General Huw Shepheard told the public today that former premier Michael Misick was regarded by the Brazilian Government as a high flight risk. He was responding to an open letter written by the former premier from his Brazilian prison cell – pleading for the extradition proceedings against him to be dropped. He wants to return immediately to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr Misick says he has repeatedly stated his willingness to return. He has dismissed suggestions that, if freed from extradition proceedings, he might abscond. He says he has given his word of honor to the people of the TCI that he can be trusted to return. Here’s —— with more on this story.
REPORTER: Attorney General Huw Shepheard points out that Mr Misick is the subject of an extradition request made in accordance with the relevant Treaty in place between the UK and Brazil. He was held in accordance with the terms of this Treaty, under a provisional arrest warrant. Supporting documentation would be provided by the TCI authorities within the required 60 days from arrest. Then the Brazilian Courts and authorities would make their decision.
This legal process in Brazil must now be followed. That Mr Misick is being held in prison until the process is completed is a matter for the Brazilian authorities. Mr Misick will also have the opportunity to influence the time the process takes, by deciding whether to contest the extradition and/or deciding whether to pursue his political asylum appeal, or not. Previous to his arrest in Brazil, Mr Misick had a over a year long window of opportunity to return to the Turks and Caicos to face questions. Unfortunately, despite assurances that he would return to TCI, he clearly never arrived. His continued non-appearance and reluctance to come willingly is why an Interpol Red Notice was finally sought and granted.
Mr Shepheard added that when Mr Misick visited the TCI, usually by private plane, after his resignation as Premier he was free to do so. It appeared he only stopped coming when he knew his arrest was actively sought. The fact that the Brazilian authorities had retained Mr Misick in custody reflected the view that Mr Misick was a high flight risk. The British Consulate-General in Rio De Janeiro was providing consular assistance to Mr Misick which included visits to check on his welfare. He had a prisoner support pack which provided useful advice on rights, expectations, and who to turn to for support. The Attorney-General said Mr Misick was receiving the same level of consular support available to all British citizens detained in a Brazilian prison. Consular officers had also explained to close family members how to apply for a prison visit pass from the Brazilian authorities in order to visit Mr Misick. He ended by saying that the former premier’s current situation was clearly complex and there were many decisions yet to be made by him and the Brazilian authorities that would affect how long it took to conclude. It was, said the Attorney General, in everyone interests that the legal processes were properly followed at all times.
This is Damon Bovie & Chris Jarrett reporting for RTC News.
