Accused Guatemalan war criminal denied legal aid
Court rules against Jorge Sosa's bid for legal aid lawyer on extradition fight
The Alberta Court of Appeal has denied legal aid to a man who has been ordered extradited to the United States to face immigration charges.
Jorge Vinicio Orantes Sosa is also wanted by Guatemalan authorities for allegedly participating in attacks on a village in 1982 in which 251 men, women and children were massacred.
Sosa wanted a legal-aid lawyer to help him appeal the extradition order.
But the Appeal Court says there is no evidence to justify a publicly funded lawyer.
The court points out Sosa's notice of appeal came after a 30-day deadline, but the justices ruled he can apply for an extension.
Sosa is accused of lying to immigration officials about his past when he applied for U.S. citizenship.
He was well-known in the United States as a martial arts instructor.