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Nazi music suspect closer to extradition

Published 23.12.08   10:20 

A trial over the distribution of racist music may be a precedent-setting case if it goes to the Supreme Court A 33-year-old Danish man is one step closer to standing trial in Germany for distributing racist music online after an...

A 33-year-old Danish man is one step closer to standing trial in Germany for distributing racist music online after an Eastern High Court decision supported the extradition, reports Berlingske Tidende newspaper.

In Germany, the crime is treated much more severely than in Denmark and the man could face several years in prison if convicted. Mikael Skjødt, the man's lawyer, said he had appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

The High Court did, however, allow the man to remain free of custody as long as he continued to report to police every other day.

The suspect and a German man are charged with allegedly distributing hate-inciting music through record company Celtic Moon over the internet. They were arrested in August after Danish police were contacted by the German authorities over the matter.

Skjødt said the case is a precedent because the extradition is based on different interpretations of the same law between two European Union countries.

'We've made all extradition rules in the EU uniform but individual countries still have varying criminal laws,' said Skjødt. 'But they crack down hard on this crime in Germany for historical reasons.'

In Denmark, a conviction for such a violation of the hate crimes law would result in a maximum of 60 days in jail.

The Appeals Permission Board is expected to rule on whether the case can be forwarded to the Supreme Court after the New Year. (rc)

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