The Court has ordered the extradition of German distributor of child pornography to America to face trial by jury.
Magistrate Neville Camilleri ordered the extradition of german national Reuben Lee Rudtke who is wanted by the United States.
Rudtke is wanted by the state of California to face charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. On 6 April, three days prior to the start of a trial by jury, the accused discarded his tracking device and absconded. Together with his wife he travelled to Germany and arrived in May 2012.
The court held it is satisfied the accused is indeed the man wanted by the USA. The evidence presented by the prosecution prove there is a primae facia case against Rudtke for which he has to answer at the American courts.
On the other hand, the claims of mistaken identity made by the defence were unsustained. Rudtke's allegations of being discriminated against if returned to America were also not proven.
Magistrate Neville Camilleri, ordered the extradition and remanded Reuben Lee Rudtke in custody until the date of extradition. The court informed the german national of his right to appeal.
Lawyers Abigail Bugeja and Lucio Schriha appeared for the accused. Deputy Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech led the prosecution assisted by Inspector Melvin Camilleri.