Courts / Dublin / Report

Romanian seeks to appeal proposed extradition for alleged murder committed here

Date
2020-03-23

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Petronel Pal, 36, faces extradition to Romania for an alleged murder committed in Meath in 2014. He was arrested in Dublin in 2019 and is wanted for creating an organised crime group and for the aggravated murder of Virgil Busa, who died three days after being assaulted. While in Ireland, Pal and others are alleged to have formed a group headed by a relative of Pal. The High Court has considered surrendering him, but a formal order has not yet been issued. Pal's lawyers have applied to the High Court for leave to appeal, arguing that the case raises a point of law of exceptional public importance and that the High Court's approach to extraterritoriality may be incorrect. The appeal will be decided on March 30, with Pal remanded in custody. The case hinges on whether Irish law allows prosecution for crimes committed abroad by non‑Irish citizens.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Romanian seeks to appeal proposed extradition for alleged murder committed here. Charges or matters: creation of an organised crime group; aggravated murder. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

April 10, 2014 Incident
April 13, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
March 30 Adjournment
2020-03-23 Publication

Why: The Supreme Court held that Mr Bailey's surrender was prohibited because the alleged offence was committed outside French territory and Irish law did not allow prosecution for the same offence when committed outside its territory by a non-Irish citizen. Prosecution account reported by CNI