Kim Dotcom's extradition hearing has been put off until March next year, which Dotcom describes as ‘dirty delay tactics’.
The three-week extradition hearing had been due to get under way on August 6 at North Shore District Court.
However, the office for Dotcom's New Zealand-based defence lawyer, Paul Davison, told NZ Newswire the hearing has now been deferred until March 25.
Dotcom tweeted his feelings about the delay on Twitter this afternoon.
“Extradition hearing delayed til March. Dirty delay tactics by the US. They destroyed my business. Took all my assets. Time does the rest.”
He is upset about how he has been treated so far.
“The NZ government is refusing an NZ resident due process and a fair defense[sic]. Shame on you John Key for allowing this to happen. Shame on you.”
US authorities are trying to extradite Dotcom and three others to face racketeering, copyright and money laundering charges. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Last week, prosecutors acting on behalf of the US government appeared in the High Court to appeal a District Court ruling that Dotcom and his co-accused must be granted access to the evidence held against them for the extradition hearing.
The outcome of that appeal is still unknown.
Meanwhile, late last month, a High Court ruling declared the armed police raid on Dotcom's Auckland mansion in January illegal.
Justice Helen Winkelmann said the search warrants used were too broad and police exceeded their powers in seizing what they did.
She also said it was unlawful for copies of Dotcom's computer files to be taken by US authorities and New Zealand police should return copies to 38-year-old Dotcom.
Lawyer John Pike, acting on behalf of the US government, has indicated he may appeal Justice Winkelmann's ruling.
3 News / NZN