Ex-chess champ to be deported
2004-08-24 13:10
Tokyo - Japan has issued an order on Tuesday to deport former world chess champion Bobby Fischer, announced the Justice Ministry.
Japanan's Minister of Justice Daizo Nozawa turned down an appeal against a deportation order and claim for political refugee status and told Fischer and his lawyers that he will be deported on Tuesday.
In a dramatic race against time, Fischer's Japanese attorneys have been trying to prevent the deportation of the former United States world chess champion who is wanted in the United States on charges of violating US sanctions against Yugoslavia in 1992.
The 61-year-old Fischer was arrested in mid-July at Narita International airport in Tokyo as he tried to depart for the Philippines on an invalid US passport.
In 1992, Fischer played an exhibition match against former chess rival Boris Spasky in Yugoslavia, which was under United Nations sanctions over its involvement in the Bosnian war.
If sent to the US, Fischer faces 10 years detention and a $250 000 fine. - dpa
- SAPA