Pirate Bay co-founder Gottfrid Svartholm was arrested last week in Cambodia. This Asian country has no extradition treaty with Sweden – the country of Svartholm. There is now a question mark on the course of events that would take place most likely at the expense of Svartholm.
Tuesday, September 4, representatives of Sweden arrived in Cambodia to discuss the possibility of extradition. Although Cambodia has agreed to extradition, due to the lack of a treaty to justify such action, Svartholm can not be sent to Sweden but to a third country – its choice belonging to Sweden.
The next day, after another meeting between representatives of the two countries it was announced that Sweden will give Cambodia a so-called “financial aid” of $59.4 million for “reasons of democratic development, human rights, education and climate change.” Listing these “causes” or reasons seems like “select any cause/reason you want, just do not mention international arrest”.
Chhon Keat, Minister of Finance and Economy Cambodia State said: “Cambodia considers that Sweden is an extremely valuable partner to the development of the country and will do everything possible for the help from Sweden to be used effectively and transparently.”
Well, it’s transparent but we believe it quite dubious. We must admit that, although there is no official connection between very the amicable cooperation of Cambodia and the “help” given by Sweden, the timing of this donation is obviously conducive to reward for the kindness of Cambodia. We could also consider this action rather a cause-effect act than a sudden realization from Sweden that it can be generous or interested in “human rights” or “climate change” in Cambodia.
It would have been less intriguing and more realistic for the Swedish press release to have sounded like this: “Due to cooperation from Cambodia in the matter of extradition of Pirate Bay co-founder, Gottfrid Svartholm, we give this country $60 million dollars to use as they please.”
On reaching home in Sweden, after probably making a stop in a country with which Sweden has an extradition treaty, Svartholm will get one year in prison and a bill of $1.1 million. “Home, sweet home” does not sound so good for him, right?
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