Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared in federal court in Miami on Thursday, where they are seeking release on bail. At the same time, they are fighting extradition to the United Kingdom, which seeks to prosecute them for rape, assault and aiding human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The brothers were arrested in Miami on 18 July at the request of British authorities. Andrew Tate is 39 years old and Tristan is 38, and both hold US and British citizenship. They deny any wrongdoing.

The US prosecution argues that in international extradition cases, there are strong grounds for keeping the defendants in custody. It points to the risk of flight and the British authorities' allegations of violence against the alleged victims. It also noted charges from Romania, where the brothers face prosecution for human trafficking.

The defense argues that their high public profile makes flight virtually impossible and points to their compliance with court orders in Romania to date. It proposes bail, the surrender of their passports and electronic monitoring.

The decision on extradition to the United Kingdom could take several months.

(Reuters, bak)