Meir Abergil
Photo: Ohad Zoigenberg
Yitzhak Abergil
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Abergil brothers to be extradited to US
Supreme court rejects appeal by members of crime family, wanted in US on various charges
The court rejected on Monday appeals by Itzhak and Meir Abergil, of Israel's notorious Abergil crime family, effectively ordering their extradition to the US.
The brothers were arrested in August of 2008 on a warrant issued by US authorities demanding their extradition. They are wanted there for money laundering, blackmail, accessory to murder, and drug charges.
After the court decision was read out many family members present at the hearing began to cry. But Meir's attorney, Avigdor Feldman, said he doubted his client would be indicted in the US.
Itzhak's attorney, Yoram Sheftal, said he was not at all surprised by the decision. "I stand by my claim that there is not enough evidence in the file," he said.
In recent months the two launched a battle against the Prison Service in an attempt to ease the conditions under which they are being held. In April they refused to appear at two court hearings because, they claimed, wardens would not allow them to leave the prison with cookies, milk, clothing, and paper towels.
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