Courts / Ireland / Report

Lawyers seeking appeal in landmark Polish extradition case

Summary

Lawyers for 31‑year‑old Artur Celmer, a suspected drugs trafficker, are seeking leave to appeal the High Court's order for his extradition to Poland. Celmer was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant and faces drug‑trafficking charges in his native country. The High Court, presided over by Justice Aileen Donnelly, had found "generalised and systemic" violations of the independence of the Polish judiciary, creating a real risk that fair‑trial rights could be breached. The court's concern was whether these issues specifically related to Celmer, following a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union. Celmer's counsel, Seán Guerin SC, argues that the case involves a point of law of exceptional public importance and that interference with fair‑trial rights could arise from disciplinary actions against Polish judges. The High Court will issue its ruling on Wednesday, after Celmer's lawyers request a certificate to appeal the decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lawyers seeking appeal in landmark Polish extradition case. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2018-11-26 Publication

Why: She said the only reason recent legislative changes in Poland had become a concern to the High Court was because Ireland had obligations under EU law. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report