US presses for extradition of Frenchman accused of murder

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

CHICAGO (AFP) — US officials on Friday vowed to press for the extradition of a French citizen accused of the brutal murder of a Chicago doctor.

But French officials said their rejection of an extradition request is not negotiable because French statutes bar the extradition of nationals.

"It's not a decision by the French government to extradite or not extradite," Emmanuel Lenain, spokesman for the French ambassador to the United States told AFP.

"It's a legal provision which means you have no margin."

Hans Peterson, 29, turned himself into French authorities in St. Martin earlier this month, weeks after police in Chicago issued a warrant for his arrest in the 2006 murder of dermatologist David Cornbleet, 64.

Peterson allegedly confessed to...