High Court refuses surrender of Jeremiah O’Brien in Greek human trafficking case

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The High Court has refused to surrender Jeremiah O’Brien to Greece for prosecution over an alleged human-trafficking offence involving the transportation of 66 people. The proceedings concerned an accusation-type European Arrest Warrant, corresponding in Irish law to conspiracy to commit a serious offence and endangerment. Mr Justice Sean Gillane delivered judgment on 31 July 2026.

The court found substantial grounds for believing that surrender would expose O’Brien to a real risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in Greek custody, citing overcrowding and inter-prisoner violence at Korydallos Correctional Facility I. It said the Greek authorities’ assurances did not dispel that risk and refused surrender on the warrant under section 37 of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003. The ruling does not bar a further request supported by relevant and particular assurances. Earlier proceedings had remanded O’Brien on bail subject to conditions including a €15,000 independent surety, surrender of travel documents, residence in Rathkeale, daily signing and a night curfew.