Filipino court orders Marine into custody

[unhappycamper]

Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, center, walks with escorts at the Regional Trial Court in Makati, Philippines, during the 2006 trial for four Marines accused of raping a Filipino woman. Smith has been staying at the U.S. embassy while appealing his 40-year jail term.


Filipino court orders Marine into custody
By Teresa Cerojano - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Feb 12, 2009 5:16:51 EST

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a U.S. Marine convicted of rape to be moved from the American Embassy into Philippine custody, reopening an emotional case that has become a rallying point for anti-American protests.

The court ruled that a deal allowing Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith to stay at the embassy while appealing his 40-year jail term was contrary to the Visiting Forces Agreement, which governs the conduct of U.S. forces in the country.

The justices instructed Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to negotiate Smith’s transfer to an appropriate detention facility. Pending such an agreement, Smith can remain at the embassy, the court said.

It also directed the Court of Appeals to quickly resolve Smith’s appeal.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement saying it would consult with legal experts in Washington.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_marine_philippines_custody_021109/%2e