It’s not over yet
Judge says evidence against Kim Dotcom and his co-accused is overwhelming but . . .
The judge who ruled that Kim Dotcom should be extradited to the US to face copyright charges has rubbished his claims of a political conspiracy influenced by Hollywood bigwigs.
Dotcom and his co-accused — Mathias Ortmann, Bram van der Kolk and Finn Batato — strenuously denied the allegations of copyright infringement, money laundering, racketeering and wire fraud.
But Judge Nevin Dawson, who heard the case over nine weeks in the Auckland District Court, ruled yesterday that there was a case to answer in the US.
There was an “overwhelming preponderance of evidence” presented by the Crown on behalf of the US Government, he said.
Judge Dawson was quick to dismiss Dotcom’s claims Hollywood influenced American politicians to have him dragged before the court.
“In essence, [Dotcom] is alleging the US movie studios have used credit they have built up with the Democrat Party administration in the USA to have him extradited from New Zealand to face prosecution in the USA,” the judge said in his 270-page judgment.
“He submits that the prosecution of him has a political motive and this court should use its discretion to stop his surrender for extradition.”
Judge Dawson said the case against the defendants saw copyright holders claiming $175 million in losses.
“That Mr Dotcom has a different point of view about the use of the internet from others, including the US movie studios, does not have the hallmarks of what is ordinarily regarded as political persecution for political beliefs. It is a difference of opinion about a business matter, the use of the internet and the application of copyright law,” he said.
Despite the judge’s ruling, the quartet are a long way from boarding the plane.
Immediately after Judge Dawson gave his decision, lawyers for the defendants indicated they would appeal against his ruling.
They were given until February 12 to file a draft case for that application.
And Dotcom was resolute outside court. “This is not the last word on the matter,” he said. “We have filed an appeal, I’m still on bail and we’ll go through the whole process until the very end.”
He admitted he was disappointed