[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Shuell requests extradition of aid worker
6th August 2019

The Incorporated States of Shuell has requested the extradition of Peter Bloch, an aid worker who has requested asylum in Lauchenoiria. Shuell is the third autocracy in recent weeks to request an extradition. This comes shortly after the passage of a bill in parliament which permits extraditions to countries which use the death penalty in specific circumstances.

Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía responded to the request, stating that: “the Federation of Lauchenoiria takes all asylum claims seriously. We intend to investigate the claim of the Shuellian national Peter Bloch thoroughly. We kindly request that the government of Shuell remain patient while we consider this request.”

Shuell has been providing Lauchenoiria with aid since February, helping to rebuild Lauchenoiria after the war and to feed individuals who lost their homes and livelihoods in southern Lauchenoiria. President Alex Marwick today praised Shuell’s involvement, stating that “Shuell has helped Lauchenoiria to rebuild, and we must consider that. However, we need to give due consideration to Peter Bloch’s claims”.

This comes shortly after the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera requested the extradition of two journalists wanted for broadcasting subversive messages, which was refused by the government. The two Xiomerans were part of a media outlet banned in Xiomera. Lauchenoiria refused the extraditions, calling them ‘political’. Xiomera also requested extraditions from Laeral and Zamastan. Zamastan has since imposed sanctions on Xiomera in what some are calling the beginning of a trade war.

Lauchenoiria is also considering extraditing notorious serial killer Jasmine Eddington to the Matriarchy of Kerlile. Eddington escaped to Lauchenoiria just over two weeks ago and is currently in Lauchenoirian custody, awaiting the result of her appeal of President Marwick’s decision to extradite her.

The Shuellian request is certain to cause controversy across Lauchenoiria, due to the mixed opinions of Shuell in the country. While many, especially communists, strongly dislike Shuell, many Lauchenoirians are very supportive of the Shuellian aid provision in the country, particularly in the south and on Aeluria. Many Lauchenoirians are also set to head to Shuell for the IDU Olympics which will be starting soon.

It is unknown when the government will respond to the Shuellian request – nor when the final decision on the Eddington case will be made. If either extradition goes ahead, it will be the first extradition to a country which has the death penalty since 1993.