THE Government yesterday refused to authorise extradition proceedings against an Iranian diplomat accused of helping to mastermind the car bombing of a Jewish centre in Argentina.
The Home Office said it had not been provided with enough evidence to proceed with the case against Durham University research student Hade Soleimanpour, 47, who was arrested in Durham City, on August 21, on an Argentine warrant.
Mr Soleimanpour, 47, who lives in Durham with his biologist wife and their two children, was studying for a PhD in nature-based tourism at Durham University when he was arrested.
Argentina accuses him of conspiracy to murder over the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people died.
A Home Office statement said: "Under UK/Argentine Treaty, an extradition request must be supported by prima facie evidence.
"On the information and advice available to the Secretary of State, he was not satisfied that the prima facie evidential test had been met."
The decision means that Mr Soleimanpour, who was granted bail by a London court while the evidence was examined, is free to go.
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