Argentina’s justice system decides to extradite fugitives from January 8th

Judge Daniel Rafecas, from Argentina’s Federal Criminal Court number 3, ruled on Wednesday (3) for the extradition of five individuals convicted for the attacks on Brazil’s Three Powers headquarters on January 8, 2023, who are currently incarcerated in Argentina. Following the hearing, the fugitives’ lawyers informed CNN Brazil that they will appeal the decision at Argentina’s Supreme Federal Court. Joelton Gusmão de Oliveira, Rodrigo de Freitas Moro Ramalho, Joel Borges Correa, Wellington Luiz Firmino, and Ana Paula de Souza were apprehended late last year in Argentina, following an extradition request by Minister Alexandre de Moraes from the STF (Supreme Federal Court). They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 13 to 17 years in Brazil. When they fled to Javier Milei’s country, the Brazilian convicts sought refuge from Conare (National Commission for Refugees in Argentina), but had not received a response until the time of their arrest. Given that this organization still needs to issue a statement even after this court ruling, it is considered that the final say on the extradition of the Brazilians will come from Javier Milei. Conare is comprised of representatives from Argentina’s Ministries of the Interior, Justice, Security, and Foreign Affairs. Extradition Hearing The five fugitives, arrested late last year, had their extradition trial postponed three times in Argentina. On Wednesday, they arrived at the Comodoro Py buildings, home to Argentina’s Federal Courts, handcuffed and escorted by guards from the country’s Federal Prison Service. During the hearing, the Brazilians had access to simultaneous translation. In addition to the Argentine federal prosecutor who filed the extradition request, Brazil was also represented by local attorneys hired by the AGU (Federal Attorney General’s Office).