Brazil to extradite former Turks and Caicos premier

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil will extradite former Turks and Caicos Prime Minister Michael Misick to answer corruption charges alleging he accepted millions of dollars in bribes to allow developers to build resort hotels on the Caribbean islands. Brazil's Supreme Court unanimously approved on Tuesday a request for his extradition to his home country after finding he was not a victim of political persecution and therefore not eligible for asylum. A spokeswoman for Brazil's Federal Police in Sao Paulo, where Misick is being held, said he will be extradited to Turks and Caicos by Interpol within 10 days. "We welcome the Supreme Court's decision as it is in the best interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands that allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated," said a spokesperson from the British Embassy, which represents the islands in Brazil. Misick served as chief minister of the British Overseas Territory from 2003 to 2006 when he became the islands' first prime minister as they gained autonomy from Britain. He resigned in 2009 after an investigation by the British Parliament found evidence of corruption in his government and Britain suspended self-rule in the islands because of the scandal. Self-rule was restored after elections in November. Misick has denied the charges, and his lawyers argued in the Supreme Court that he was a victim of British political persecution for favoring independence. Misick was arrested at a Brazilian airport in December after he was located by Interpol, and Turks and Caicos requested his extradition in January. (Removes duplicate word from headline) (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)