State Department Denies India’s Request for Jhirad’s Extradition

The State Department has denied India’s request for extradition of Elijah Ephraim Jhirad, former Judge Advocate General of the Indian Navy, according to Leon Charney, Jhirad’s attorney. The government of India had sought Jhirad’s extradition ostensibly in connection with alleged misappropriation of some $1600 in naval funds in 1961. Leaders of the Jewish community and other distinguished Americans had issued appeals on Jhirad’s behalf in support of his contention he was a victim of political persecution.

Charney told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency Friday that he had received a telephone call Thursday night from David Lissy, special assistant to President Ford, informing him of the State Department’s decision. Charney added that the State Department decision ended the case and that Jhirad was now “a free man.”

An ardent anti-Communist and Zionist, Jhirad, 63, who presently lives here with his wife and three teen-aged children, has claimed consistently that pro-Arab elements in the Indira Ghandi government had sought to bring him back to India to set an example to other Zionist sympathizers.

Last October, the Supreme Court refused to review the case, leaving stand a lower court ruling holding Jhirad extraditable. The Supreme Court action meant that only the President or the State Department could prevent his extradition. On Nov, 8, Judge Gerald L. Goetel allowed Jhirad to remain free on $50,000 hail pending a State Department decision after the Department received Jhirad’s file following the Supreme Court denial.