Former US Marine Pilot Faces Extradition to US for Alleged China Training

Former US Marines pilot Daniel Duggan's fate is now in the hands of Australia's attorney general. A magistrate has determined that he can be extradited to the United States to face charges linked to the alleged training of Chinese military pilots.

Following a brief hearing, Magistrate Daniel Reiss concluded that Duggan meets the requirements for extradition. He has been instructed to be transferred to prison while US lawyers await approval from Attorney General Mark Dreyfus for his removal.

Duggan has 15 days to request a review of the order. This order was issued 19 months after his arrest in rural New South Wales, shortly after he returned from China to reunite with his family in Australia.

Duggan's wife, Saffrine, was outside the court with their six children. She made a plea to the Australian authorities to get involved.

"We are devastated and struggling to comprehend why this is happening to us," she expressed while her supporters displayed signs that read "Free Dan Duggan."

"He is a kind-hearted man, an amazing father, a loyal friend, and a loving husband. He has not been charged in Australia and has never been involved in any criminal activities. Despite this, he is being detained based on the decision of the United States government," she continued.

She described Friday’s hearing as “simply about ticking boxes.”

“Now, we respectfully ask the attorney general to take another look at this case and bring my husband home.”

Saffrine Duggan (center) speaks to media prior to her husband's extradition hearing at Downing Centre Local Court, in Sydney, May 24, 2024.

Saffrine Duggan (center) speaks to media prior to her husband's extradition hearing at Downing Centre Local Court, in Sydney, May 24, 2024.

In 2017, it was claimed that Duggan had trained Chinese military pilots from November 2009 to November 2012, while he was still a US citizen. He met his Australian wife in 2011 and became an Australian citizen the next year.

The indictment mentioned that in 2008, Duggan was informed via email by the US State Department that he needed to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and seek approval to provide training to a foreign air force.

However, it alleges that he worked together with others, including the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), to unlawfully export defense services to China, going against an arms embargo.

TFASA mentioned in a statement to CNN in 2023 that it follows the laws of all the places where it does business. The statement clarified that Duggan only did one test-pilot job for the company in South Africa from November to December 2012. It was also mentioned that Duggan did not work for TFASA on any training projects in China.

Duggan trained Chinese civilians, such as plane enthusiasts and those aspiring to work in civilian aviation. His supporters think he got involved in geopolitics amidst tense US-China relations, and they accuse authorities of using him to make a statement to ex-military personnel.

Friday’s hearing at Downing Centre Local Court was delayed for nearly an hour because of protests, which led to the proceedings being shifted to a smaller courtroom. The new room became so packed that some people had to sit on the floor.

Additional delays happened when Reiss requested the floor-sitters to exit the room. He cautioned that those who didn’t “keep quiet” could face charges for contempt of court.

The Australian attorney general's spokesperson mentioned that the government does not make comments on extradition cases. According to Australia's Extradition Act, Duggan has the right to appeal directly to the attorney general to explain why he should not be extradited to the US.

There is no set time period for the attorney general to make a decision, but by law it should be made as soon as practicable.

Editor's P/S:

The extradition case of Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine pilot accused of training Chinese military pilots, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential geopolitical motivations. Duggan's supporters argue that he trained civilians and engaged in legitimate activities, while authorities allege he violated arms embargoes. The extradition process has faced protests and legal challenges, with his wife pleading for his release. The Australian attorney general's decision on whether to approve Duggan's extradition will be closely watched, as it will impact both the fate of a military veteran and the broader diplomatic relations between the US, China, and Australia.

The article underscores the complex interplay of national security, international law, and human rights in extradition cases. While governments have a responsibility to enforce laws and protect their citizens from potential threats, they must also ensure that extradition processes are fair, transparent, and not used for political or punitive purposes. Duggan's case highlights the need for a thorough examination of the charges against him, the evidence presented, and the potential consequences of his extradition. It also raises questions about the role of international cooperation and diplomacy in resolving such disputes.