'People smuggler' to face trial

Sweden has agreed to extradite an alleged people smuggler to face trial in Australia.

Iraqi national Khaleed Shnayf Daoed will face charges in connection with a smuggling attempt in 2001, which killed 353 illegal migrants.

He is suspected of helping organise the voyage of the Siev-X, which sank in Indonesian water en-route to Australia.

People smuggling carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail under Australian laws.

Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison said Mr Daoed would face 13 charges under the Migration Act for his alleged people smuggling activities.

As well as the sinking of the Siev-X, Mr Daoed is also alleged to have been involved with arranging the passage of another vessel which brought 147 illegal immigrants to Australia in August 2001.

"I welcome the news that the Swedish government has decided to grant Australia's request for the extradition of Daoed. I am not aware of any avenues for appeal of this decision," Mr Ellison said in a statement.

He would be brought to Australia "as soon as possible", a spokesperson for Mr Ellison added.

Abu Quassey, another alleged organiser of the Siev-X voyage, is being prosecuted in Egypt in connection with his alleged people smuggling activities.

Prosecutors have charged him with manslaughter, relating to the deaths of the mainly Afghan and Iraqi nationals who drowned on the Siev-X.

Earlier this year Abu Quassey was extradited to Egypt from Indonesia, where he had spent six months in jail for visa violations.

Indonesia said it could not extradite him to Australia for "technical reasons".