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Smith told us about it at the Supreme Court this afternoon:..

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"Shortly after midday we manage to get an injunction until he has given an opportunity to be heard."

Jules Vasquez
"What moves are a foot right now as far as you know?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"I am glad you said as far as I know because Mr. Karol Mello hasn't been given any papers, any notice of any charges, any complaints. He was just picked up and our understanding is that he is wanted by the Slovakian government. We as his legal representatives have not been told anything. We were told that the process for removing him from Belize is underway and that he is repatriated to send to Slovakia hence we had to move for an injunction."

"The minister has powers under the immigration and nationality act and he has powers under the aliens act. But I think a close reading of both pieces of legislation will demonstrate or indicate that you can't just apply the power willy nilly. What I know is that Mr. Karol Mello is a permanent resident, he has a valid work permit, he has a family, a wife in Belize. I am not aware of the existence of a son, that maybe and is carrying business in San Pedro Ambergris Caye."

Jules Vasquez
"Did he obtain his entrance to Belize or his permanent residence through any illicit means?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"I presented to what appears to be very valid papers for him."

Jules Vasquez
"The Minister of Immigration, the Government is injuncted - is restrained from making any moves to expel unless..?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"Until he has given an opportunity to be heard."

Jules Vasquez
"Will that be a hearing in court or will that be an audience with the relevant minister?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"Depending on what power the minister seeks to exercise."

Jules Vasquez
"Isn't it within the government's rights though to eject someone who appears to be an international fugitive?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"The Immigration act and the Aliens act confirms the relevant minister - the Minister of Immigration fairly wide powers to do exactly what you said but in accordance with law, in accordance with what is generally termed as due process."

A two-page statement from the family of Karol Mello was sent to 7news this afternoon. It says that Mello and his family, with a new Belizean born child have been living in San Pedro for "over twelve months."

It stresses that he entered the country legally using his real name and has not been on the run, but is only seeking refuge from what the release calls a corrupt Slovak government.

They claim he is being targeted by that government because he owned a casino. It adds that he has been cleared in the Slovak courts three times - and now the family has retained Edward Fitzgerald, a highly regarded British Queen's Counsel and Human Rights specialist to defend him.

He says they want him now to face charges that he has already been cleared of. The statement adds that since being detained in san Pedro last week Wednesday, he has not been fed, allowed a change of clothes or the opportunity to brush his teeth.

We could not get comment from the police on this claim since they don't want it reported on in any form.