Special To WSN

NEW YORK: Ten years ago, two young men were charged with a crime they Say they didn’t commit, after a decade in prison, the government of India still hasn’t proved its case, and the boys are now grey haired men.

Many of you have followed the case of “Suky & Khuky” (Sukhminder Singh Sandhu and Ranjit Singh Gill) for the past 10 years, through nine trials, six judges, and countless unsubstantiated claims by the government of India regarding their guilt.

This week was another episode in a Series where yet another magistrate heard their plea for a hearing to deny their ex tradition to India, a place where they would surely be tortured and killed whether they are innocent or guilty, merely because they were fends with Sikh militants, Bhal Sukha and Bhai Jinda.

‘The issue at hand, according to attorney Ron Kuby is that, a hearing should be granted to them because the Haman Rights practices of the Indian government Gre so deplorable and so below the minimum standards of Human decency as declared by the UN that Sukhminder and Ranjitare in danger of losing their lives before they could even be called to trial in India.

‘The prosecution has argued a point called the Rule of NonInguiry which basically states that a countries human rights record cannot be used as an argument in an extradition trial.

But today, the magistrate listened closely to Atlomey Mary Pike’s arguments to the contrary. “She was magnificent,” said Mr. Kuby of his associate in the case. “The magistrate schemed totally attentive to Mary’s forceful and inspired performance in the courtroom.

“Me Kuby, although net a psychic, said that the demeanor and questions that the magistrate asked the govern.

Ment prosecutor made it seem that a hearing would be granted later this month If his happens, it will be a first in US history and a legal precedent will be set, ‘The magistrate seemed especially taken aback when he asked if any government that would openly claim that it would torture. And murder some ‘one after extradition should have the right to do so and if the government would still argue in favor of extradition and the prosecutor said,” Yes.” Ms. Pike’s brilliant showing raid bare the lack of respect for life that is represented in the Indian government and she urged the court to be faithful to American Jaws and the values of Justice ~ stating that it was the court’s right and duty to stand between India and its intended victims. Mr, Kuby Said that the magistrate seemed especially impressed with the turn out of the community. “The room was wall (o wall turbans” and Sukhminder and Ranjit want the people to know how much it means to them that people still care and support them to the extent of missing their wages to come and ve part of the proceedings. Kuby, the feeling is mutual.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 15, 1996