Lawyer for Indian Diplomat in NYC Seeks Postponement

A lawyer for the Indian diplomat accused of submitting false documents to get a work visa for an underpaid Manhattan housekeeper is seeking to postpone proceedings. In a letter to a federal magistrate judge in New York, a lawyer for Devyani Khobragade—the deputy consul who was arrested and strip-searched last month—requested an extension of the time by which the U.S. government must file an indictment or begin a preliminary hearing. Khobragade, 39, was arrested Dec. 12 and charged with one count of visa fraud and one count of making false statements about her housekeeper's payment. Khobragade was released on bail of $250,000 after surrendering her passport. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The dispute has caused friction between the U.S. and India. In response to the dispute, India removed security barriers at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and revoked privileges of American diplomats in the country.

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