Above: Michael Misick
By Alexander Britell
Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick has been re-arrested by Brazilian Federal Police, Turks and Caicos authorities said Tuesday.
Misick was arrested in Sao Paulo on the authority of a Brazilian Supreme Court judgment.
He had been released on bail in February, after having been initially arrested in December.
He is currently the subject of an extradition request; his application for political asylum was officially rejected by Brazil’s Justice Minister on Monday.
Turks and Caicos prosecutors formally requested Misick’s extradition from Brazil at the end of January. The matter is effectively in the hands of Brazilian authorities, and the process could take several months to complete.
“It is hoped that the extradition process can now proceed unhindered,” the Governor’s office said in a statement. “It is in the best interests of the TCI that allegations of wrong doing are thoroughly investigated and that Michael Misick returns there as soon as possible to answer these charges.”
Misick faces a number of charges relating to corruption and “maladministration” in the Turks and Caicos during his time in office.
A 2008-2009 Commission of Inquiry conducted by Sir Robin Auld found evidence of systemic corruption in the territory, leading the United Kingdom to suspend democratic government.
The TCI finally held new elections in November, vaulting Misick’s former party, the Progressive National Party, into power.
As Misick was born in TCI, a British Overseas Territory, he is receiving British consular assistance in Brazil. The Governor’s office said he was visited by British consular officials on Monday in Sao Paulo.