Gardai will apply to an Amsterdam court this afternoon for the extradition of a Dublin man wanted in connection with the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
Mr Brian Meehan (32), from Crumlin, was arrested by Dutch police in Amsterdam on October 10th, with his 21 year-old girlfriend and an associate, Mr John Traynor. Mr Traynor and the woman were later released.
At 2.15 p.m. three judges will hear the application to extradite Mr Meehan. The court is not expected to give its verdict for 14 days.
Reporters are to be allowed into the court as the proceedings start, but may be asked to leave. Under Dutch law the defendant has the right to say whether he wishes the proceedings to be held in private.
It has been reported that Mr Meehan will insist the hearing is held in private. However a spokeswoman for his lawyer, Mr Alexander van der Waal, said last week Mr Meehan had decided to allow reporters in court.
If the court decides to extradite Mr Meehan he will have 14 days to appeal that decision to the Dutch Supreme Court. If an extradition order is upheld by the Supreme Court this judgment is then referred to the Dutch Justice Minister, Mrs Winnie Sorgdrager, for a final decision.
Under Dutch law Mr Meehan will have a second right of appeal against the Justice Minister's decision, using a civil procedure.
He faces up to 20 further charges in relation to serious crimes in Ireland.
