Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Kim Dotcom MegaUpload case: Court ruling paves way for extradition, but subject to judicial review
The long-running legal battle involving Kim Dotcom has been left unresolved by a Supreme Court ruling issued today.
While today's ruling paves the way for extradition, it is subject to a judicial review.
The Supreme Court also found the men were not eligible for extradition on the conspiracy to commit money laundering charge, but were on another 12 charges.
Since their arrests in 2012, Dotcom, Matias Ortmann, Bram van de Kolk and Finn Batato have been fighting extradition to the United States.
The authorities there say they profited from encouraging people to breach copyright by uploading files like music and movies from their MegaUpload website.
When a district court gave the go-ahead for extradition in 2015, the group challenged that with a judicial review.
The High Court and Court of Appeal dismissed the review but the Supreme Court now says it must go ahead.
The grounds for that review include procedural unfairness, breach of natural justice, errors of fact and unreasonableness.
The Supreme Court found that the Court of Appeal erred in concluding that the judicial review proceedings were an abuse of process.
It says instead the court should have looked at whether the grounds for the review had been considered by the lower courts.
The court has asked the parties to file brief submissions on the issues that remain outstanding in the judicial review proceedings and for their view on which court these issues should be resolved in.
Dotcom's lawyer, Ron Mansfield, has described the ruling as a mixed bag.
He said the court had correctly accepted that they should be able to argue against what they call serious procedural issues.
The incoming Minister of Justice, Kris Faafoi, said he had received the ruling and would not be commenting on it.
A final decision as to whether the men are eligible for surrender will be made once the judicial appeals are resolved.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Ian Powell: When Health Bosses Operate In An Isolated Bubble
Gordon Campbell: On Miserly School Lunches, And The Banning Of TikTok’s Gaza Coverage
LKTranslator: Eurovision 2024 Making Colonialism Cool Again 
Conor English: Global Esports And Game Development Landscape Fast Changing
Robert G. Patman: Confused Or Playing For Time? Why Is NZ Taking So Long To Make A Call On AUKUS
Binoy Kampmark: A Clubbable Admission; Palestine’s Case for UN Membership