United Kingdom has until mid-September to submit evidence to State Department
A federal magistrate in Miami will consider Thursday whether Andrew and Tristan Tate should remain in federal custody or be released while they challenge extradition to the United Kingdom on rape and sex trafficking charges.
U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis is set to question the brothers’ defense attorneys and prosecutors before deciding whether to release the pair during what could be a monthslong extradition process. The Tates have been held at a federal detention center in Miami since making a brief court appearance after their July 18 arrest.
Their attorneys have argued that their high profile and active social media presence makes it nearly impossible for them to flee. Prosecutors are contesting their release.
The brothers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. They are the subject of a U.S. arrest warrant connected to the United Kingdom’s request for their extradition on rape and sex trafficking charges.
The Tates have become among the world’s most polarizing internet personalities by promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire.
No date has been set for a full extradition hearing. Under the treaty process, the United Kingdom has until mid-September to provide evidence to the U.S. State Department supporting its request. If the extradition proceeds, the brothers would be surrendered to face trial in Britain on the underlying charges.
The Thursday detention hearing is the latest development in a long-running international legal saga that has spanned the United States, Britain and Romania. The magistrate’s custody ruling will be separate from any later decision on whether the brothers should be surrendered to British authorities.