Freddie Gibbs was reportedly extradited from France, where he was out on bail, to Austria on July 31, where he remains behind bars. Gibbs was wanted in connection with a European arrest warrant issued by Austrian authorities for a rape allegedly committed in 2015. Gibbs has yet to be charged with a crime.
In response to the extradition, Gibbs’ Criminal Defense Attorney released the following statement to Complex:
“Mr. Freddie Gibbs while free on bail in France voluntarily withdrew his procedural extradition appeal. He did so to work cooperatively with authorities to assure a smooth transfer to Austria and to further enhance the opportunity for an expedited decision on the merits. Freddie has faithfully abided by all terms and conditions of his release and transfer set by the Court.
He continues to pursue every available means to demonstrate that he is absolutely innocent and that he has been both belatedly and wrongly accused. To be clear and accurate, to date Freddie Gibbs has not, we reiterate, Freddie Gibbs has not been charged with any offense. An investigation is continuing. Mr. Gibbs remains hopeful that a thorough and searching investigation will reveal the actual facts, including the absence of any scientific, physical, or credible evidence implicating him, thereby paving the way for his exoneration and return to his family and one- year old child.
Consistent with the available legal practices and procedures in Austria, Mr. Gibbs will ask the Court to release him on bail, under reasonable terms and conditions, as was done in France.
Through counsel Mr. Freddie Gibbs has consistently remained fully cooperative with law enforcement offices and judicial systems in both France and Austria and will continue to do so.”
We hope Gibbs is able to return home to be with his family in the very near future.