A German woman’s ‘great fear’ of suffering physical harm at the hands of her former partner were she to be extradited, has prompted a Magistrates’ Court to postpone its decision on the matter.
Suzanne Schumann, a 50-year old mother, was targeted by a European Arrest Warrant issued by judicial authorities in Germany where she is to face charges relating to an alleged arson attempt on some stables.
Following her arraignment last week, when she was remanded in custody, Ms Schumann on Tuesday sat in the dock, alongside a court-appointed interpreter, as proceedings continued in her regard.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, presiding over the case, explained that the first decision faced by the court was to determine whether the offence with which the requested person stood charged was an extraditable one.
In this case, both the prosecution and the defence openly agreed in court that the arson attack allegedly committed by Ms Schumann was a scheduled offence liable to a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment.
This made it an extraditable offence in terms of law, the court declared.
The prosecution pointed out that when attempting to set fire to the stables, although allegedly only succeeding in burning down a window, the woman’s actions could have caused damages amounting to some €20,000.
Having settled the first issue, the court proceeded to consider whether there existed any legal bars to the extradition.
After establishing that there were no such barriers, the court, for the sole purpose of allaying the woman’s fears, granted 10 days so as to ensure that her rights and safety were safeguarded if she were to be returned to her homeland and at all stages of her judicial process.
At one point during today’s hearing, the public was asked to leave the courtroom while a psychiatrist reported to the court on his findings after having been appointed to examine the German woman, and this in view of the sensitive nature of his report.
The proceedings continue later this month.
Inspector Chris Galea Scannura is prosecuting, assisted by lawyer George Camilleri from the AG’s Office.