Courts / Tipperary / Report

High Court refuses to surrender Irish man wanted for alleged attempted murder in Bulgaria

Date
2015-06-17
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Tipperary
County
Tipperary

Summary

The High Court refused to surrender Aidan O'Dwyer, a 40‑year‑old from Clonmel, to Bulgarian authorities for alleged attempted murder of a taxi driver. Bulgarian prosecutors claimed O'Dwyer stabbed the driver in the chest with a knife, motivated by hooliganism, and that the driver survived only thanks to emergency services. O'Dwyer, who was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant on 24 June 2014, argued he acted in self‑defence and that the injuries were not severe. The court considered his serious medical condition, including a liver transplant in 2005 and current powerful medication, and his medical evidence sworn before the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. The judge cited substantial risk of inhumane and degrading treatment in Bulgarian prisons, citing CPT findings of fundamental shortcomings. Consequently, the court ordered O'Dwyer's release, returned any bail, and discharged him from the proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court refuses to surrender Irish man wanted for alleged attempted murder in Bulgaria. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Why: Photo: Collins) The High Court has refused to surrender a Tipperary man to Bulgarian authorities for alleged attempted murder because of the "real risk" he would be subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The High Court
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Bulgarian prison

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report

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