New Delhi, Mar 4, 2013 (PTI) - India today assured Portugal that it would remain compliant with the expectations of Portuguese system and judiciary on the issue of gangster Abu Salem.
The assurance comes amidst Portugal raising objection to the charges invoked by the police against Salem, who was extradited in 2005 for his alleged role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, that entail death penalty.
"I think the judiciary in Portugal has raised some issue. The judiciary here in our country, will take care of them," External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said in a joint press conference with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo de Sacadura Cabral Portas.
"We already have petitions in the Supreme Court. We would like, obviously, to remain compliant with the entire Portugese system including judiciary. I have reassured the Minister," he added after his meeting with Portas during which they discussed numerous issues inlcuding anti-terror and economic cooperation.
While getting Salem extradited, India had given an executive assurance to Portugal that it would not slap any charge which would have death penalty and would not keep him behind bars for more than 25 years, key requirements in extradition proceedings in Europe.
Later, Delhi and Mumbai Police slapped charges which entail death
penalty against Salem, an accused in several criminal cases, leaving the
government and the CBI red-faced.
Source: Deccan Herald, March 4, 2013