World Jewish News

The Australian government is expected to authorize extradition proceedings against Hungarian-born Charles Zentai, who is accused

The Australian government is expected to authorize extradition proceedings against Hungarian-born Charles Zentai, who is accused of war crimes. Zentai, a former warrant officer in the Hungarian army, is wanted for the murder of Jewish teenager Peter Bálazs in Budapest in November 1944. Justice minister Chris Ellison will meet lawyers on Friday to decide whether to sign an official receipt of request that would force Zentai to fight his extradition to Hungary in a. Australian court. The expectations are that the minister will agree on extradition proceedings although Australia has never extradited an alleged war criminal. Zentai, an 83-year-old widower who lives in Perth has maintained his innocence but refused to speak to the media about the murder allegation. He came to Australia with his wife and family in 1950, claiming to be a refugee from war-torn Europe and failing to disclose his service in the Hungarian Army. A magistrate is to determine if Zentai can be extradited to face trial in Budapest. However, the final say on Zentai deportation to Hungary would again be made by the Justice minister.

Источник: wjc.org.il