Australian to be extradited from Solomons

18/11/2008 20:05:10

An Australian man wanted on murder charges is expected to be extradited from Solomon Islands next week.

Last month, 38-year-old Bassam Tiba was arrested at Solomon Islands international airport in relation to his alleged involvement in the murder in 2004 of 30-year-old Rashid Haddara in the Melbourne suburb of Thomastown.

Mr Tiba has been held in custody in Honiara, but Solomon Islands Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says extradition proceedings are now being finalised.

"We expect him to be back in Australia reasonably soon," he said.

Mr Tiba flew into Honiara from Vanuatu, and told authorities he was coming to Solomon Islands to help build a mosque.

His legal team have not opposed his upcoming extradition.

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