Extradition politically motivated: Graham

A former Yukon man wanted in the United States in connection to the murder of aboriginal activist Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash says his recent extradition order is evidence Ottawa is trying to cozy up to Washington.

Justice Minister Vic Toews issued an order earlier this month for Graham's extradition to South Dakota where hefacesmurder charges related to the 1976 killing. Both Graham and Pictou-Aquash were members of the American Indian Movement.

Graham is currently under house arrest in Vancouver. In a telephone interview with CBC News in Whitehorse, he saidthe new Conservative government is too anxious to please the Bush administration.

"A lot of it is due to a change of government because they are too,just too eager to join in with the U.S.," he said.

Graham, who is fighting the extradition, says the Canadian justice system should at least insist the FBI reveal the evidence it says it has against him.

"I am fearful for my family and for my loved ones and that these people are going to get away with the same thing theyalways get away with — you know, kill or lock up another Indian and nobody gives a shit," Graham said.

His nextcourt appearance is scheduled for October.