Argentine Loses Extradition Plea

A federal appeals court today refused to block the extradition of ex-Argentine Gen. Carlos Suarez Mason, sought by his government for mass killings and torture during the “dirty war” of the late 1970s.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied an emergency stay request by lawyers for the ex-military leader. Assistant U.S. Atty. Mark Zanides said the ruling clears the way for the government to seek the prompt deportation of Suarez Mason to Argentina to face trial. The final transfer could occur within a few weeks if no further appeals are made. Suarez Mason faces charges of ordering at least 39 murders while heading an Army unit in the Buenos Aires area.