Courts / Ireland / Report

Judgement in important Polish extradition case expected next month

Date
2018-10-31
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Summary

The High Court is set to give a judgment in November on the extradition of Artur Celmer, a 31‑year‑old Polish national, to face drug‑trafficking charges in Poland. Celmer was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. His lawyers argue that recent radical changes to the Polish justice system, which have brought the country into conflict with the EU, create a risk that his fair‑trial rights would be breached. After a referral by Justice Aileen Donnelly to the Court of Justice of the EU, the High Court sought further information from Polish authorities. The court received comments from Polish Deputy Minister for Justice Marcin Warchol, who described Celmer as a "dangerous criminal from a drug mafia." Donnelly said these remarks could undermine the presumption of innocence and questioned whether Poland's judicial independence was compromised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judgement in important Polish extradition case expected next month. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Why: Citing correspondence from the President of the Warsaw Regional Court, Mr Farrell said any statements by politicians were of "absolutely no relevance" because judges in Poland were independent and subject to the Constitution and the laws of Poland. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Outcome: Mr Celmer was remanded in continuing custody until that date.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The High Court
  • High Court

Topics

Drugs Stage Charge Or Pretrial

Read the original CNI report

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