Zentai bailed again as federal court decides appeal

August 25, 2009

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25979874-26103,00.html

THE bail of alleged Nazi war criminal Charles Zentai has been continued while three Federal Court judges consider his latest appeal to avoid extradition to Hungary.

The 87-year-old Perth man appeared in the Federal Court in Perth today in front of three judges who have reserved their decision in the latest appeal.

The Republic of Hungary alleges Zentai was one of three men who tortured 18-year-old Peter Balazs in Budapest in November 1944, leading to his death.

Zentai denies the allegation and his lawyers have argued the charge against him did not constitute a war crime at the time of the murder.

In March, Justice John Gilmour upheld a ruling of magistrate Barbara Lane, paving the way for his extradition.

Chief Justice Michael Black said the full bench of the court would try to make their decision as quickly as possible.

Zentai remains free on a $75,000 surety with $50,000 bail, on the condition that his passport is surrendered, that he does not go within 100 metres of an international departure point and continues to live at his home in Willeton, in Perth's southern suburbs.

Outside the court, Zentai's son Ernie Steiner said that if the appeal was lost his father would be held in custody until a decision on his extradition was made by the federal government.

Mr Steiner said the family had lodged a submission with the Attorney-General which includes a letter from a Hungarian military official who says Zentai is wanted only for interrogation and not a trial.