Extradition proceedings of wanted Sicilian Mafia boss continue

The extradition proceedings of Sicilian Mafia boss Sebastiano Brunno continued Friday afternoon, after the prosecution presented the official documents and the required authorisation of the Justice Minister for his extradition.

Brunno, 56, of Lentili in Siracusa, Siciliy, is currently being held under preventive custody after the Italian authorities requested his extradition.

Last week, as per court procedure, the prosecution requested the authorisation of the Justice Minister for Brunno’s extradition.

Standing before Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, the prosecution – represented by Deputy Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech – exhibited the official documents.

Brunno was arrested by Maltese police on October 2 in Bugibba. He is wanted in Italy to serve a life sentence after being found guilty of murder, attempted murder and possession of weapons in the 1990s. He has been a fugitive since 2009 and the Italian police subsequently launched a manhunt and a European Arrest Warrant had been issued on July 22.

Sources said that Maltese police had been notified of Brunno’s possible presence in July before swooping in his apartment in Bugibba.

In his testimony, Gerald Farrugia, a representative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, confirmed that the ministry received the extradition documents on August 11 from the Italian embassy.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja adjourned the sitting for next week to give the defence enough time to analyse documents presented in court.

Deputy Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech and Inspector Mario Cuschieri led the prosecution while Lawyers Roberto Montalto and Michaela Spiteri were defence counsel.