Courts / Cork / Report

European countries no longer accepting extradited suspects

Date
2020-03-20

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Schull

County
Cork

Summary

The High Court heard that European countries most active in issuing European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) are no longer accepting suspected criminals surrendered from Ireland because of travel restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus outbreak. Poland and Lithuania have closed their borders to almost all incoming travel, effectively suspending EAWs. Other countries, including Latvia and the United Kingdom, have adopted similar measures, though official confirmation is pending. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, overseeing several international extradition cases, adjourned all unheard matters to 18 May and all part‑heard matters to 6 July, allowing the Minister for Justice to apply for earlier dates if circumstances change. He noted that Poland and Lithuania are not accepting surrender at present and that the EAW mechanism is effectively suspended until further notice. Bail conditions remain in force, with a relaxed requirement for sign‑on at Garda stations but a mandatory provision of a mobile phone number and continuous availability for Gardaí.