Amanda Todd suspect can be extradited to Canada, rules Dutch court
The Netherlands’ Supreme Court has ruled that the man accused of playing a role in the death of Amanda Todd can be extradited to Canada.
Aydin Coban, 38, is facing charges relating to child pornography, extortion, child luring, and harassment in relation to Todd, who died by suicide in 2012.
However, Coban’s extradition will not be immediate; it must first be approved by the Dutch Minister of Security and Justice, according to the Council of Europe.
Coban then has the right to appeal the minister’s approval, through the Dutch civil courts, all the way to country’s Supreme Court, states the document.
Amanda Todd’s story
Port Coquitlam teenager Amanda Todd died by suicide in October 2012, not long after she posted a YouTube video that went viral.
In it, she shared her story, as she flipped through cue cards – detailing how someone had taken an explicit video of her online, and shared it on the internet.
It led to the teen being bullied by others for years, and having to change schools multiple times.
News of Coban’s ruling came on Tuesday, coincidentally also the birthday of Todd’s mother, Carol, who has campaigned relentlessly against cyberbullying since her daughter’s death.
Just got the wake up news. Extradition of #AydinCoban is a YES to Canada!!! pic.twitter.com/JOdS1aMiAT
— Carol Todd (@c_todd) April 4, 2017
Coban facing 11 years in prison in Netherlands
The ruling to extradite Coban comes just weeks after he was sentenced to almost 11 years in prison in the Netherlands in an unrelated case.
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Coban was found guilty of 72 charges, including child pornography and attempted sexual assault of multiple girls, and one count of webcam blackmail.
Also among those charges were computer intrusion, fraud, forgery and possession of hard drugs. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges, but was handed the maximum sentence.
If Coban’s extradition is approved and any appeals are unsuccessful, then it is not clear whether he would be extradited before or after he serves his existing sentence.
As well, Coban could well appeal his existing conviction in the Netherlands, further delaying the process of being extradited to Canada.
If he is extradited and found guilty in Canada, any sentence resulting would be added to his existing sentence and served in the Netherlands.
Coban has denied all charges relating to Todd.
Where to go for help
If you feel affected by the issues in this story, or are having suicidal thoughts, consider getting help through the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
You can find advice and contact a crisis centre in your area at this link: suicideprevention.ca. Crisis centres are available throughout Canada, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Suicide warning signs
- Sudden marked changes in behaviour or appearance
- Talking, joking, writing, or becoming increasingly preoccupied with suicide and death
- Preparations for death, such as giving away possessions
- A previous suicide attempt
- Decline in school or work attendance/performance
- Expressions of a sense of hopelessness and/or helplessness
- Sudden losses e.g. financial, relationship break-up, death of a loved one
- Sudden changes in eating and sleeping patterns
How you can help
- Ask the person directly if they are considering suicide. This will not ‘give them the idea’, but it does show that you care and are taking them seriously
- Listen and provide non-judgmental support
- Arrange for the person to get help, whether from a crisis centre, hospital, mental health centre, or another local resource
- Do not leave a suicidal person alone
- Do not agree to keep another person’s suicidal thoughts a secret
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