The Gall of Gaul

It had been reported that Hans Peterson, the murderer of Dr. David Cornbleet, became a French citizen in light his impending legal troubles here. The Tribune issued a correction today in regards to that:

Correction: A story in Friday's Metro section incorrectly stated that Hans Peterson, a man accused of killing a Loop dermatologist last year, obtained French citizenship in May while living on St. Martin. He was born a French and U.S. citizen, because his mother is French. He obtained a passport and French identification in May. Also, the story stated that the French do not typically extradite citizens wanted in death penalty-eligible cases. The French do not typically extradite citizens to the U.S. for most criminal cases.

So he has always been a duel citizen. Fine, he committed a murder in the US and he must face US justice. The probability of this offender facing the death penalty would be slim to none. As stated by Cornbleet's son the family would ask the State not to pursue the death penalty so that Peterson could be extradited. The Cornbllet's believe that France will not extradite its citizens when facing the death penalty. However, according to the Tribune " The French do not typically extradite citizens to the US for most criminal cases."

"I think that is an injustice to my father and my family who are the true victims," Cornbleet said. "We are not giving up hope and will continue to do everything that we can to get him to face justice in the United States."

I saw this post on SCC "F#$% the French" . If the story of the French refusing to extradite Hans Peterson pisses us off, then read this.................The BBC reported today

A US judge has refused to block the extradition of ex-Panama leader Manuel Noriega to France, where he faces 10 years in prison for money laundering.

Noriega is to gain early release from a Florida prison for good behaviour in September, but a fight has begun over where he will be heading next.

The French authorities want his extradition so that he can serve out a sentence on a 1999 money-laundering conviction obtained in absentia.

A murderer for a money launderer, sounds fair to me. By the way Panama also wants Noriega for the murder of a political opponent. If the French don't cooperate then send Noriega back to Panama and let them wait another 20 years.