Zakir has lawyer on standby
Published on: Saturday, November 11, 2017
PETALING JAYA: Indian preacher Zakir Naik has appointed his lawyer in Malaysia as New Delhi inches towards formally requesting Putrajaya to extradite him over allegations of money-laundering and terrorism.Lawyer Shaharudin Ali said he had also informed the inspector-general of police and the attorney-general to refer to him in the event such a request is made.This comes as India's external affairs ministry said the process for Naik's extradition was almost finalised.
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"The formal request for assistance of a foreign government in such cases requires a legal process. We are nearing the completion of this exercise. Soon an official request will be made to the Malaysian government," a spokesman was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times.On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Putrajaya was prepared to deport Naik if there was a request from the Indian government.Authorities in India have accused Naik of funding terrorism, and India's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) last week filed charges against him in court.
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Naik, 52, was reportedly charged under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with inciting youths to engage in terror acts and join groups such as the Islamic State (IS).Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Naik is believed to be residing in Putrajaya, although this could not be confirmed.
