The US Justice Department has withdrawn a request for the extradition of a Colombian carpenter who had been falsely charged with money laundering.
Ariel Josue Martinez was working as a carpenter in the southern region of Caqueta when he was arrested for allegedly laundering nearly $1 million. He claims he does not know how to use a computer.
Martinez has been detained since March of this year. The US recognized its mistake and canceled its extradition request for the Colombian laborer.
According to El Tiempo newspaper, officials in Bogota have recognized the error as “serious” and plan to compensate Martinez for the time in unjustly spent in detention.
Prior to his arrest, Martinez dedicated his time to cutting wood and raising his four children.
MORE: How US choppers ended up in Colombian money-laundering hand
Sources
- Colombia: US withdraw extradition request (Associated Press)
- Estados Unidos retirara solicitud de extradicion del carpintero (El Tiempo)
- Clamor popular para que no extraditen a carpintero (El Tiempo)