TURKISH EXTRADITION REQUEST FOR MNF-I DETAINEES

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002401 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2015 TAGS: PHUM PINS PTER TU XF SUBJECT: TURKISH EXTRADITION REQUEST FOR MNF-I DETAINEES Classified By: Classified by Political-Military Counselor Ronald E. Neumann for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) Summary: Post has been informed that the Government of Turkey wishes to extradite two security internees held by MNF-I inside Iraq, based on GOT suspicion of their involvement in terrorist bombings in Istanbul. MNF-I is willing to transfer these detainees to Iraqi custody to permit an Iraqi extradition to Turkey; the ITG's views are unknown. The steps described in paras 5-6 seem, in Post's view, to be the most efficient route to extradition should the ITG be willing to accede to the Turkish request. End Summary. ¶2. (S) Post and MNF-I have been informed that the GOT is seeking the extradition to Turkey of two detainees held by MNF-I inside Iraq, both suspected of criminal involvement in bombing attacks in Istanbul: BURHAN KUS (ISN 166308),aka Burhan Jilal Hussein, DOB January 1, 1972, Turkish national; SADETTIN ADKAS (ISN 16670),aka Mustafa abd Hamad, DOB July 1, 1989, Turkish national. ¶3. (SBU) As a practical matter, both MNF-I and Iraqi concurrence is required for an extradition. MNF-I has no objection to transferring custody of these detainees to the ITG should the ITG wish to accede to a Turkish extradition request. ¶4. (SBU) We understand, however, that the GOT has had difficulty locating a point-of-contact inside the ITG through which to request extradition, despite the agreement of both governments that an existing Iraqi- Turkish treaty regarding the Iraqi extradition of Turkish nationals remains in force. ¶5. (SBU) Post recommends that the GOT present a formal extradition request to the Iraqi MFA, noting in the attached diplomatic note that a courtesy copy of the extradition request has been passed to the Chief Justice of Iraq. We then suggest that the GOT provide a copy of the extradition request to Post, which Post will pass directly to the Chief Justice. ¶6. (SBU) Should Turkey's extradition request be approved by an Iraqi judge, Post will notify MNF-I, which will request permission from CENTCOM to transfer legal custody of these detainees to the ITG. MNF-I will retain physical custody of any detainees approved for extradition until arrangements have been made for their transport to Turkey. ¶7. (SBU) The steps described in paras 5-6 may be passed by Embassy Ankara to the GOT if appropriate as a procedural recommendation for seeking extradition. Satterfield