Former world chess champion Bobby Fischer, who has been fighting a deportation order to the United States since Japan took him into custody two weeks ago, has formally asked Tokyo to let him stay in Japan, an adviser said on Monday.
The American chess player, wanted by US authorities for playing a 1992 match in the former Yugoslavia in violation of international sanctions, was granted a three-day extension on Friday to appeal Japan’s decision last week to deport him for travelling with a revoked US passport.
Fischer’s lawyer filed the appeal, addressed to Japan’s justice minister, at Narita International airport just hours before the midnight deadline, said John Bosnitch, a Tokyo-based communications consultant advising Fischer.
It was the second time Fischer has appealed the deportation order; the first was rejected last week.
Fischer appeared to be trying to buy more time to avoid possible US prosecution. In the United States he’d face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250 000, officials say.
Justice Ministry official Shoichi Okabe declined to comment on the filing, citing privacy laws. He said each appeal is considered on a case-by-case basis, so there was no set timeframe for a decision. – Sapa-AP