[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: Marwick under fire for decision on Shuellian
8th August 2019

President Alex Marwick has been heavily criticised for his decision to extradite Shuellian national Peter Bloch both at home and abroad. Critics of his decision include Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry, along with the leaders of the Green Party, Communist Party, and the Left Alliance in Lauchenoiria. Prime Minister Alvarez has also denied any involvement in the decision-making process.

In what came as a surprise to many, Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry waded in on the issue this evening, criticising Marwick’s decision, saying: “I’m deeply surprised that Lauchenoiria, not yet finished rebuilding from its own divisive civil war, is bending its knee to authoritarian regimes. Frankly, it doesn’t bode well for the future.”

Hendry went on to confirm that the reason for Sanctaria’s boycott of the Olympics was Shuell’s dictatorial regime, and say she was ‘disappointed’ in both Alvarez and Marwick for the decision. She also mentioned the money being spent on Lauchenoiria by Sanctaria after the war, saying: “both I and my cabinet are concerned that Sanctarian pounds are being funnelled into Lauchenoiria and instead of helping re-establish strong democracy, those monies are being used to transport prisoners to their death.”

The statements by Hendry have concerned many in Lauchenoiria, who were already sceptical of Marwick’s decision to extradite Bloch. Prime Minister Alvarez shocked the nation by announcing a U-turn shortly after Hendry’s speech on her support of Marwick’s choice, saying: “after careful reconsideration, I can no longer in good conscience support President Marwick’s decision to extradite Mr. Bloch.”

She continued, discussing the aid provided by Shuell: “My predecessor, Keitha Noguera, made the choice to allow Shuellian aid workers into the country. While Shuell has done good work, they must understand that this does not allow them to put pressure on us. Lauchenoiria is in the process of rebuilding our democracy, and we cannot have dictatorial regimes attempting to intervene in our affairs.”

This is the first public argument between President Marwick and Prime Minister Alvarez since both took office. Alvarez’s statement attracted controversy almost immediately, with many taking to social media to voice their support or opposition. Green Party leader Lucie Scott posted on social media: “I am glad to see Alvarez has come to her senses and has decided to stand up to the Shuellian dictatorship.”

However, not all are pleased with Alvarez’s statement, with her Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Averforth, leader of the Lauchenoirian Conservative Party, voicing support for the President’s decision. “President Marwick has made the choice to protect Lauchenoirian citizens from a dangerous terrorist and a dangerous serial killer,” he said, referencing the case of Kerlian citizen Jasmine Eddington. “Alvarez should be supporting him, not denouncing him just to score points with the Sanctarians.”

President Marwick made a speech from Fleura House this evening, attempting to address the concerns of Hendry and Alvarez. “My decision was based on information that suggests that Peter Bloch would be a danger to Lauchenoiria. Shuell has given me assurances that Mr. Bloch will not be executed, and I believe they are being truthful.”

He continued: “While Prime Minister Alvarez and I will not always agree on everything, we will continue to work together for Lauchenoiria. We are believers in free speech in Lauchenoiria. I respect Alvarez’s right to her opinion on this matter. I am sure that despite this disagreement the Lauchenoirian government is united in what truly matters: moving forward as one country following the war.”

An appeal is set to be heard in the Bloch case in court tomorrow. If the extradition is deemed legal, Bloch will be the first person to be extradited from Lauchenoiria to a country which uses the death penalty since the end of the communist dictatorship in 1993. It is uncertain whether or not the court will uphold Marwick’s decision.