US rules out extradition of Headley
The United States has virtually ruled out the extradition of Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist David Headley, but defended the verdict saying justice had been served as promised. It termed the sentencing as a “positive example” of Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation.
“We promised that justice would be served, that justice is being served in this case,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters, when asked about India’s reservations over the court ruling.
India has expressed disappointment over the 35-year jail term awarded to the Pakistani-American by Chicago court, arguing that given the nature of his crime, longer sentence or death penalty was required. “David Headley, a key conspirator in the Mumbai terrorist attacks, has been brought to justice in the United States. He will serve 35 years in prison for his role in these heinous acts that claimed the lives of 166 people, including six Americans,” she said.
