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Board of Judges at Denpasar court of law approved proposition submitted by Australian government to extradite Paul Francis Callahan (48 years old), Australian citizen suspected for children sexual abuse. The decision announced by the chairman of the board IBP Madeg immediately also responded to cooperative attitude shown by Paul in the previous assembly.

Based on the such decision Paul can be returned back to his original country immediately to face the trial for his criminal conduct. “We approved proposition submitted by Australian government for extradition of Paul Francis Callahan, and therefore instruct him to be returned back to Australia immediately”, announce chairman of the Board of Judges of Denpasar court of law yesterday (August 15th).

Judge Madeg explained that proposal for extradition submitted by Australian government has fulfilled 4th article of Indonesian law no. 1/1979 on extradition and Indonesian law no. 8/1994 on implementation of extradition agreement between Indonesian and Australian government. The law mentioned that sexual abuse is among criminal conducts eligible for extradition.

Supporting documents accompanied extradition proposal submitted by Australian government through diplomatic channel included arrest instruction issued by New South Wales court of justice. Arrest notice was related to suspected criminal abuse to Reshmai Rise Konox (16 years old), his sister in law, back in 1997 and 1999. Australian police charged him for violation of sub-article no. 66C(2) Crime Act which prohibit sexual intercourse with children between 10 and 16 years old which may send him to 10 years behind the bars.

Paul was arrested by Bali police at his residence, Jalan Kartika Plaza Gang Melati No. 4, Kuta back on July 12th, responding to report made by Interpol network in Canberra, Australia. During his stay in Bali, Paul who was born in Melbourne, worked for a surfboard manufacturing company, married to Balinese woman, and had a son. In the assembly Paul confirmed that he was prepared to be sent back home to face the trial. “You are released to follow the justice process there in your country”, said Judge Madeg.

Suhadi, the attorney who brought the proposal to the court said that the decision on approval of extradition will immediately brought to the Ministry of Law and Human Right for further process, allowing Callahan to be extradited immediately. “The sooner the better”, said Suhadi.