No extradition, Portugal sets Pamma free

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 12

The Portugal Ministry for Justice today ordered the release of former Khalistan protagonist Paramjit Singh Pamma, blocking the Indian Government's efforts to bring him back to India.

Justice Minister of Protugal Frances Van Dunem said: “Most of the acts for which extradition is requested occurred in India at a time when refugee status had been granted by the United Kingdom”. Amarjit Singh Bhachu, a UK-based lawyer, who has been contesting Pamma's case, said: " Since January 26, we had been in regular touch with the ministry as the Justice Minister was to decide on the extradition request by February 15, the next date of hearing."

Among Pamma's other legal advisers was US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and a Portugese lawyer, Manuel Luis Ferreira, who contested Abu Salem's case. They were helped by Patiala-based human rights lawyer Birjinder Singh Sodhi.

Pamma's lawyers contended that the 'Red Corner Notice' against Pamma issued by the Indian authorities in 2012, leading to his arrest in December last year, was not sustainable as per the amended rules. They argued that Pamma was likely to be prosecuted by the Indian authorities and as per the treaties on the Functioning of the European Union, Dublin Regulations, duly ratified by EU member-countries (including the UK and Portugal) and the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention, this could not be allowed.

They also argued that Portugal's law did not allow extradition to a country that “practises torture”.