Viktor Bout: Brings Separate Action for Alleged Violations by US Government

The New York Times June 30, 2009 reports that Viktor Bout has brought a separate proceeding alleging that the US violated Thai law.

"The procedure could delay the extradition process and, if successful, result in criminal charges filed against three agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration who took part in Mr. Bout’s arrest, according to the lawyer, Chamroen Panompakakorn. Mr. Chamroen said Monday that American agents had violated Thai law by apprehending Mr. Bout on their own before calling the Thai police to arrest him. They were also carrying firearms in violation of Thai law, he said. They invaded a public place without a search warrant,” Mr. Chamroen said in an interview. “They have no power to do this.”