The Edinburgh District Court’s decision to order the extradition of British national Zain Taj Dean to Taiwan was welcomed June 11 by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This ruling establishes a precedent for future cooperation between the two countries in judicial affairs and a wide range of other areas,” the MOFA said. “The ministry is extremely satisfied with the result.”
Echoing the MOFA’s remarks, Presidential Office spokesman Ma Wei-kuo said the decision was a relief and testament to the effectiveness of viable diplomacy.
“We commend the MOFA and Ministry of Justice for their efforts to date and encourage both agencies to continue seeking justice for the family of the victim.”
The ruling follows a May decision by the British high court ordering Dean to pay NT$9.08 million (US$300,000) to the family of Huang Chun-te, whom he struck and killed while driving drunk in March 2010. Dean was found guilty of the crime in July 2012 by Taiwan Taipei District Court and sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay NT$7.55 million in compensation.
But the British national fled Taiwan one month later using the passport of a friend.
Dean was arrested by Scottish police Oct. 17, 2013, the day after Taiwan and the U.K. signed a memorandum of understanding on his extradition. He was denied bail several times while in custody.
According to the MOJ, the court’s decision must now be reviewed by Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill. If the ruling is approved, Dean has 14 days to file an appeal.
“The ministry will continue working with the MOFA and ROC representative offices in London and Edinburgh to ensure Dean is sent to Taiwan as soon as possible,” the MOJ said. (SFC-JSM)
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