Robert Manning, wanted in the United States to stand trial in connection with a 1980 mail-bombing murder of a California secretary, was finally extradited to the United States on Sunday after years of legal wrangling that included four appeals to Israel’s Supreme Court.
The Israeli police kept plans for his extradition a secret until the last minute in order to prevent Manning’s lawyers from lodging yet another appeal.
In the most recent deterrent to his being taken away last week, Manning avoided extradition at the very door of an awaiting plane because he had swallowed 20 sleeping pills and was too ill to travel.
Sunday, prior to his extradition, Manning was examined by a police doctor, who declared him fit to travel.
Before being whisked away, he called out as he was led up the steps of the TWA jet, handcuffed to one of the two U.S. marshals escorting him: “This is a disgrace for Israel. I am ashamed at what is being done to me. I have done nothing wrong. I shall be back.”
Manning and his wife, Rochelle, who are American Jewish immigrants, are both wanted in the United States in connection with the murder of secretary Patricia Wilkinson by a parcel-bomb addressed to her employer.
Israel’s Supreme Court has yet to rule on an appeal by Rochelle Manning to block her extradition on charges connected to the crime.
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