Ruling on extraditable linked to ex president set for April 16

Santo Domingo.- The Prosecution on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court’s Penal Chamber to extradite Oscar Ezequiel Rodriguez, head of the ‘Rebirth with Papa’ movement which supports opposition PRD party presidential candidate Hipolito Mejia.

The Justice Ministry representatives also motioned the court to seize a villa, an apart-hotel, two residences, and unspecified number of business and six luxury vehicles.

Presiding Justice Miriam German Brito, after hearing the motions, announced that the ruling will be read 9am on April 16.

Lead prosecutor Gisela Cueto said three’s enough evidence to justify the extradite Rodriguez to Massachusetts, to face charges of drug trafficking.

U.S. Embassy lawyer Analdis Alcántara also asked the Justices to rule for the extradition.

Defense attorney Tomas Castro asked the court to refuse the extradition, order Rodriguez’s immediate release, and return of some of his seized assets.