Andrew and Tristan Tate’s legal representative has declared their intention to resist being extradited to the United Kingdom to face accusations of rape and sex trafficking, asserting that the siblings are targets of a “political witch hunt.”

The attorney, Joe McBride, characterized Britain as a “fallen state that prosecutes its citizens for free speech” during a statement outside a court in Miami. He emphasized that his clients were under attack for their expressions rather than their actions.

McBride drew parallels to instances such as a woman’s arrest for praying near an abortion clinic and the purported targeting of political activist Tommy Robinson for exercising his right to free speech. He also urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the extradition proceedings, claiming that he was elected to combat such injustices.

The brothers, holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and the U.K., were apprehended by U.S. marshals and are scheduled for a court appearance. Their detention followed additional charges brought against them by British authorities.

Andrew Tate, aged 39, faces multiple new charges including rape, trafficking facilitation, bodily harm, as well as offenses related to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography. Tristan Tate, aged 38, has been charged with sexual assault, rape, and trafficking facilitation.

The Crown Prosecution Service reported that the supplementary charges, combined with existing ones, span alleged incidents from July 2010 to August 2017. The brothers have consistently denied any involvement in criminal activities.

McBride affirmed their intent to challenge the extradition, denouncing the new charges as defamatory and designed to prejudice public opinion unfairly. He emphasized the lack of concrete evidence against his clients and criticized the persecution based on their speech rather than actions.

Expressing confidence in a 60-day legal process, McBride highlighted the potential for variations in the duration based on developments. He underscored their commitment to contest the extradition in the foreseeable future.

The attorney also speculated on the U.S. administration’s stance, suggesting that officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio would oppose sending individuals to face politically motivated prosecution abroad. He expressed optimism that the president would resist what he termed a “political witch hunt” and “political kidnapping.”