Holck not extradited to India by Hillerød Court ruling

Niels Holck will not be extradited to India for prosecution, according to a ruling from the Hillerød Court. Holck previously testified about his involvement with the rebel group Ananda Marga, to which he dropped four tons of weapons and ammunition in West Bengal, India, in 1995. Since then, India has sought his extradition.

Holck claims he intended to assist an oppressed population; however, Indian authorities categorize his actions as support for terrorism. In 2011, Denmark’s Eastern High Court rejected the extradition request, citing the risk of torture. In June of last year, the Danish State Prosecutor recommended that Holck could be extradited following a new request from India in 2016, which prompted an investigation into the conditions in India.

Based on this assessment, the State Prosecutor concluded that the conditions for extradition were met. Holck, speaking earlier today, expressed concerns about being caught in a political game between the Danish and Indian governments stemming from a 2018 agreement. He fears that extradition could threaten his life, citing the high risk of death while in police custody in India. He stated, “I am fighting against extradition.”

He also indicated his intent to appeal if the court’s decision is unfavorable. At this time, it is unclear whether the ruling from the Hillerød Court will be contested.