Jailed Lithuanian seeks ruling extradition unconstitutional
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A former lawmaker and judge from Lithuania jailed in Chicago wants a court to declare the way the Trump administration OKed her extradition unconstitutional.
Lawyers for 47-year-old Neringa Venckiene (vehn-KEE'-ehn-nayz) filed an appeal late Friday with the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Court of Appeals asking it to halt her extradition .
She faces charges in Lithuania linked to her claims that there is an influential pedophile network in Lithuania. She fears she'll be killed if forced to return.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The State Department offered no reasons why it approved her extradition in April. The appeal says that makes it impossible to challenge the decision, violating Venckiene's due-process rights.
It concedes courts have consistently found the State Department has near-total discretion on extradition. But it says Venckiene's case shows it's time to reconsider those findings.