Former US Marine pilot Daniel Duggan’s extradition to the United States, where he faces charges related to the alleged training of Chinese military pilots, now hinges on Australia’s attorney general. Magistrate Daniel Reiss ruled on Friday that Duggan met the conditions for extradition and ordered his transfer to prison while US authorities await Attorney General Mark Dreyfus’s approval for his removal.
Extradition Decision and Immediate Actions
Following the short hearing, Duggan has 15 days to seek a review of the extradition order. The decision comes 19 months after his arrest in rural New South Wales, shortly after he returned from China to join his family in Australia.
Family’s Appeal and Public Reaction
Duggan’s wife, Saffrine, stood outside the court with their six children, pleading for Australian authorities to intervene. “We are absolutely heartbroken and still don’t understand how this could be happening to us,” she said, while supporters held signs saying, “Free Dan Duggan.”
She described the hearing as “simply about ticking boxes” and urged the attorney general to reconsider the case and bring her husband home. She emphasized that Duggan faces no Australian charges and has no criminal background.
Allegations and Indictment
A 2017 indictment alleges that Duggan trained Chinese military pilots between November 2009 and November 2012, while he was still a US citizen. Duggan met his Australian wife in 2011 and became an Australian citizen in 2012.
The indictment claims that Duggan received an email from the US State Department in 2008, instructing him to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and seek permission to train a foreign air force. Instead, it alleges he conspired with others, including the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), to export defense services in violation of an arms embargo on China.
TFASA stated in 2023 that it complies with the laws of every jurisdiction in which it operates and noted that Duggan only undertook one test-pilot contract for the company in South Africa between November and December 2012.
Duggan maintains that the students he trained were Chinese civilians, including aviation enthusiasts and aspiring civilian pilots.
Supporters’ Perspective and Geopolitical Context
Duggan’s supporters believe he has been caught up in geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. They accuse authorities of using him as a message to former military personnel.
Friday’s hearing at Downing Centre Local Court faced delays due to protests and overcrowding, leading to the proceedings being moved to a smaller courtroom. Further delays occurred as Reiss asked members of the public sitting on the floor to leave, warning them about the possibility of being prosecuted for contempt of court.
Next Steps
A spokesperson for the Australian attorney general stated that the government does not comment on extradition matters. Under Australia’s Extradition Act, Duggan can appeal directly to the attorney general, explaining why he should not be extradited to the US. There is no set timeframe for the attorney general to make a decision, but the law stipulates it should be made as soon as practicable.