A Thai court has thrown out charges of money-laundering and fraud against suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, bringing him a step closer to extradition to the United States.
Reports say the court's decision rules out the possibility of Bout's lawyers filing an appeal as a delaying tactic to keep Bout in Thai custody, preventing his extradition on terrorism charges.
In August, a Thai appeals court ruled to extradite Bout, angering Russia.
Bout's defense team is now expected to appeal against that extradition order, arguing the appeals court did not have authority to make the decision.
compiled from agency reports
Reports say the court's decision rules out the possibility of Bout's lawyers filing an appeal as a delaying tactic to keep Bout in Thai custody, preventing his extradition on terrorism charges.
In August, a Thai appeals court ruled to extradite Bout, angering Russia.
Bout's defense team is now expected to appeal against that extradition order, arguing the appeals court did not have authority to make the decision.
compiled from agency reports