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Deportation proceedings court reports
These reports discuss this legal issue. Inclusion is not a finding or conviction, or a statement about a person's identity or status. Read each report's procedural stage and outcome.
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2025-11-11 · Dublin
Sandra Moneme, a 27‑year‑old South African woman, created a false name in 2019 to avoid a deportation order and used that alias to claim €6,775 in social welfare benefits. She pleaded guilty to one count of providing a false instrument at an Intreo centre in Dublin 1 on 26 November 2019. Garda Brian Giblin reported that Moneme applied for a PPS number under the false name and then claimed welfare benefits. She was arrested after a facial‑recognition check by the Department of Social Protection. Moneme has no prior convictions and cooperated with Gardaí. She is now entitled to stay in Ireland and is repaying the money to the department. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced her to 20 months, fully suspended on conditions, noting her cooperation and lack of prior convictions.
2020-07-22 · Ireland
In a High Court judgment, Mr Justice Max Barrett criticised the State's handling of a Pakistani widow and her minor daughter's application to reside in Ireland with their EU citizen uncle. The judge quashed deportation orders issued by the Minister for Justice in 2018, finding the Minister's decision unreasonable and legally flawed. The applicants had lived in Ireland since 2009, supported by the widow's UK‑based brother, a British citizen. In 2014 the uncle secured employment in Ireland and brought his niece and sister with him. The applicants applied under EU free‑movement rules, but the Minister refused in 2015 on the basis of insufficient evidence of dependency. After a review in 2017 the Minister denied the application again, and deportation orders followed. DNA tests, paid for by the applicants, confirmed all were blood relatives, yet the State did not reconsider the decision.
2020-02-20 · Dublin
Shaeed Adeola Ishola, a 44‑year‑old convicted drug dealer, lost a High Court challenge to a deportation order. He was jailed in 2012 for seven years after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply, following the discovery of €1.4 million worth of cocaine in a fake diplomatic bag at Dublin Airport. Released in 2016 after enhanced remission, he had lived in Ireland without incident. In August 2019 the Minister for Justice ordered his deportation, citing the seriousness of the offence and a fraud conviction in the UK. Ishola and his family argued the decision was delayed, disproportionate, irrational and breached their constitutional and privacy rights under the European Convention of Human Rights. The Minister's lawyers said all relevant information had been considered. Mr Justice Max Barrett upheld the Minister's decision, rejecting the application and finding no breach of rights, and declined to set aside the deportation order.
2019-07-23 · Ireland
The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by a man, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, who had been deported to Jordan in 2016 on security grounds linked to alleged involvement with ISIL, ISIS, Daesh or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He had previously sought to set aside the deportation order, compel the Minister to accept his asylum application, and claim that he did not need the Minister's consent to apply under the 1996 Refugee Act. The High Court in 2016 dismissed his challenge to the deportation and the Minister's refusal to consider his asylum application in 2015. The Court of Appeal upheld those decisions in 2018. The Supreme Court, hearing the appeal on Tuesday, ruled that the man's arguments constituted an impermissible collateral attack on earlier procedural steps and that the appeal was dismissed, leaving the lower courts' decisions intact.
2019-01-28 · Ireland
The High Court has allowed an unnamed Algerian man in his fifties to amend his legal challenge against the Minister for Justice's refusal to revoke a deportation order. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed the man's current arguments but adjourned the case to permit an amendment regarding reports of incommunicado detention in Algeria. The judge noted an error in the Minister's analysis concerning secret detention facilities, identifying a prima facie issue that required addressing. The man, who denies terrorism links and claims a risk of torture, was convicted of terrorism offences in Algeria and France. He had previously used multiple identities and was jailed in Ireland for attempting to travel on a false passport. In the 1990s, he received three life sentences and two death sentences in Algeria for forming an armed terrorist group and possessing prohibited weapons. Additionally, he was jailed for eight years in France in 2002 after being found guilty of membership of a criminal organisation preparing an Act of Terrorism. The Minister issued the deportation order in 2016, citing security concerns. This ruling follows three previous applications where the Supreme and High Courts ruled in the man's favour, remitting the refusal to the Minister for fresh consideration.
2018-07-24 · Ireland
The High Court has reserved judgment in the third legal challenge brought by an unnamed Algerian man against the Minister for Justice's refusal to revoke his deportation order. The man, who has been in Irish custody since 2016, fears torture if returned to Algeria, citing Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He was convicted of terrorism offences in Algeria and France, having previously used multiple identities. In the 1990s, he was convicted of several offences in Algeria, receiving three life sentences and two death sentences, which are no longer carried out. He was also jailed for eight years following his 2002 arrest in France after being found guilty of charges including membership of a criminal organisation preparing an Act of Terrorism. Additionally, he was jailed in Ireland for attempting to travel on a false passport. The Minister issued the deportation order in 2016, citing security concerns. The State argues that human rights protections in Algeria have improved since 2016, including constitutional changes and the disbanding of the DRS intelligence agency. The man denies involvement with groups like Al-Qaeda, claiming his risk stems from political views. The case was remitted for reconsideration after previous High Court rulings quashed earlier refusals due to procedural failures. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys reserved judgment following submissions from both sides.
2018-06-20 · Ireland
In a High Court case involving two lawyers accused of misleading the court to delay the deportation of Polish criminal Thomas Bebenek, Mr Justice David Keane reserved his decision on whether further action should be taken. The judge noted that the lawyers, a solicitor and a barrister, used litigation as a tactic to postpone Bebenek's deportation long enough for a new order to be issued and challenged. He criticised the lawyers for failing to properly inform the court of relevant immigration law, an obligation of court officers. The judge considered referring the matter to the Law Society and the Bar Council. The solicitor was ordered to reimburse the State's legal costs for gross negligence. The case remains pending, with the judge awaiting further submissions from the lawyers' representatives. The matter is still before the court.
2017-12-21 · Ireland
The High Court has quashed the Minister for Justice's refusal to revoke a deportation order against an unnamed Algerian man, remitting the matter for fresh consideration. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys ruled that the refusal was procedurally flawed because the Minister failed to inform the man's legal team that specific information regarding Algeria, contained in a blog, was relied upon. This decision follows a July Supreme Court ruling that had previously quashed an earlier refusal and sent the case back to the Minister, who subsequently refused revocation again last September. Counsel for the man, represented by Michael Lynn SC, argued that the court should quash the deportation order entirely and release the man, who has been in custody for a year, noting he fears torture if returned to Algeria. Conversely, the Minister's counsel, Remy Farrell SC, argued for remission, citing public interest concerns regarding the man's alleged links to Islamic terrorism. The court heard that the man was convicted of terrorism offences in Algeria and France, having previously used multiple identities and been jailed in Ireland for attempting to travel on a false passport. He was jailed for eight years following his arrest in France in 2002 after being found guilty of charges including membership of a criminal organisation preparing an Act of Terrorism. The judge accepted that while there could not be endless applications, the matter must be remitted for further consideration. The proceedings were adjourned to a date in February.
2017-12-19 · Ireland
An Algerian man in his 50s challenged a second refusal by the Minister for Justice to revoke his deportation order before the High Court. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have links to Islamic terrorism. He claims he faces a risk of torture and inhuman treatment if returned to Algeria due to his political views. The State asserts that gardaí reported his activities as a serious security concern. In the 1990s, the man was convicted of several offences in Algeria, receiving three life sentences and two death sentences, which are no longer carried out. These charges included forming an armed terrorist group, possession of prohibited war weapons, and assassination. Additionally, he was jailed for eight years following his arrest in France in 2002 after being found guilty of membership of a criminal organisation preparing an Act of Terrorism. The current High Court hearing concerns the Minister's September decision to again refuse revocation, following a Supreme Court ruling last July that quashed the initial refusal and remitted the case for reconsideration. Counsel for the defendant argued the Minister's decision was irrational, while the State maintained the man should be deported. The matter is at the sentence stage regarding the validity of the deportation order.
2017-05-31 · Ireland
The Supreme Court has reserved its decision in an appeal by an unnamed Algerian man against his deportation from Ireland. The man, who remains in custody, claims he is innocent of terrorism and at risk of torture in Algeria, arguing this would breach Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He challenges a High Court decision that upheld the Minister for Justice's deportation order, which was issued on security grounds. The State contends the Minister was entitled to make an independent decision, despite a Refugee Appeals Tribunal finding the man at risk. The five-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Susan Denham, heard submissions from Michael Lynn SC for the appellant and Remy Farrell SC for the State. The court will deliver its judgment before the end of July, with one week's notice to parties. The man was previously convicted of terrorism offences in Algeria, receiving three life sentences and two death sentences, and was jailed for eight years in France in 2002 for membership of a criminal organisation preparing an act of terrorism. He denies involvement in groups like Al-Qaeda, stating he was only a supporter of the banned Islamic Salvation Front.
2017-05-10 · Ireland
The Supreme Court has scheduled an appeal for May 31st regarding the deportation of an unnamed man in his 50s, who has alleged links to Islamic terrorism. The appeal challenges a High Court decision by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, who upheld the Minister for Justice's deportation order and refused leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. The appellant claims deportation would breach Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, alleging risks of torture and inhuman treatment due to his political views, while denying terrorism involvement. The State asserts his activities and associates are a serious security concern, alleging he raised money for jihadists. The court noted he was convicted and jailed in France for several years for terrorist offences. Additionally, he served a prison sentence in Ireland after being convicted of attempting to travel using forged documents. The Supreme Court granted permission to hear the case, citing points of general public importance, with the hearing set to proceed before Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell.
2017-04-26 · Ireland
The Supreme Court has provisionally scheduled May 31st for the hearing of an appeal by an unnamed man in his 50s against his deportation from Ireland. The matter was adjourned for a mention in two weeks to determine if the appeal can proceed on that date. The appellant, who denies terrorism links and claims risk based on political views, was convicted and jailed in France for several years for terrorist offences. He also served a prison sentence in Ireland for attempting to travel using forged documents. The State alleges his activities are contrary to security, claiming he raised money for jihadists and was convicted of terrorism offences in his home country. Last month, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys in the High Court dismissed the man's bid to overturn the Minister for Justice's deportation decision, finding the Minister's assessment of risk lawful. The Supreme Court granted permission to appeal on grounds of general public importance and imposed a stay on deportation pending the outcome, citing the appellant's claim of risk under Article 3 of the European Convention. Mr Justice Donal O'Donell asked both parties to coordinate submissions to ensure readiness for the May 31st hearing, warning the case will not proceed if they are not prepared.
2017-03-30 · Ireland
The Supreme Court has halted the deportation of an unnamed man in his 50s, who is alleged to have links to Islamic terrorism, pending the determination of his appeal. The three-judge panel, comprising Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, and Mr Justice Peter Charleton, granted leave to appeal on grounds of general public importance. The court placed a stay on the deportation, citing the appellant's claim under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights that he faces a risk of torture or inhuman treatment if removed. This stay is conditional on the man undertaking not to challenge his current detention at an Irish prison, a condition his legal team agreed to. The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, denies involvement in terrorism, attributing his risk to his political views. However, the State alleges he raised money for jihadists and notes that he was convicted and jailed in France for several years for terrorist offences. The appeal challenges a High Court judgment by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, who had previously dismissed the man's challenge to the deportation order and refused leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court will hear the appeal after the Easter vacation. The Minister for Justice opposed the stay on national security grounds, but the court prioritized the appellant's human rights claims.
2017-03-24 · Ireland
The High Court has refused permission for an unnamed man in his 50s to appeal the Minister for Justice's deportation order to the Court of Appeal. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys ruled on Friday that no point of law of exceptional public importance arose from the earlier dismissal of the man's challenge. The judge discharged the stay on the deportation order forthwith and continued the reporting restriction on the man's country of origin for two months post-removal. The judge also refused to extend the stay to allow an application to the Supreme Court. The man, who denies involvement in terrorism, claimed he faced a risk of torture in his native country. However, the State alleged he was convicted and jailed in France for several years for terrorist offences, including taking human life. Counsel for the Minister stated the man had a central role in a militant group and was accused of raising money for jihadists. The man is currently in detention pending deportation after being found with false travel documents. His legal team indicated they would apply to the Supreme Court, arguing the case raised issues of general public importance, while the Minister opposed the stay extension.
2017-03-20 · Ireland
The High Court has reserved judgement on an application by a man in his 50s, who claims links to Islamic terrorism, to appeal a deportation order. He argues he faces serious risk of ill treatment and torture if returned to his native country, citing his political views. Earlier, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed his challenge to the Minister's decision to deport him, following Garda Síochána's report that his activities and associates were of serious concern and contrary to the State's security. The man, who has been convicted of terrorism offences in France and his native country, is currently serving a prison sentence in Ireland for false travel documents and is due for release soon. He contends his exclusion is unlawful under EU law and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and that the Refugee Appeals Tribunal found he would be at risk of serious harm if returned.
2017-02-10 · Ireland
The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's decision to quash a deportation order against an Armenian man who feared being attacked for his association with Jehovah's Witnesses. The man arrived in Ireland in 2000 and was refused refugee status. The Minister issued a deportation order, which the man challenged. In December 2014 the High Court quashed the order, citing evidence that he would be at risk of attack if returned to Armenia and that the Minister had failed to properly consider medical evidence indicating a high suicide risk. The Minister appealed. On Friday, a three‑judge panel—Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan, Mr Justice Michael Peart and Ms Justice Mary Irvine—found in favour of the Minister. Mr Justice Peart noted that the Minister had considered all relevant information, including the man's medical reports, and concluded that the man was not a person at such risk as a Jehovah's Witness.
2016-12-15 · Ireland
The High Court has reserved judgement on a challenge by a man, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, against the State's bid to deport him. He claims he faces serious risk of inhuman and degrading treatment if returned to his home country, where he would be detained at a secret location. The challenge arises from the Minister's decision to exclude him from the State. Lawyers for the man argue that deportation would breach EU law and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing a prior Irish Refugee Appeals Tribunal finding that he would be at risk of torture or serious harm. The Minister, represented by Remy Farrell SC and Sinead McGrath BL, opposes the application and maintains that she is entitled to deport him. The judge, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, said he would give the case priority and hoped to deliver a judgement in January.
2016-10-26 · Ireland
A man with alleged links to Islamic terrorism has challenged the State's deportation order in the High Court. He argues that returning him to his native country would expose him to inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, because of his political views. The challenge is based on the Irish Refugee Appeals Tribunal's finding that he would face serious harm if returned, yet the Minister excluded him from subsidiary protection due to past convictions. The Minister, represented by Remy Farrell SC and Sinead McGrath BL, denies the man's claims and maintains that the deportation order is lawful. The man, aged in his early 50s, has previously served time in prison for terrorism‑related offences in another jurisdiction and asserts that he and his brothers were tortured for their political views. The hearing has been adjourned to a date next month.
2016-06-24 · Ireland
The High Court has dismissed the legal challenge of an unnamed man, who is alleged by the State to be the main recruiter for Isil in Ireland, aimed at preventing his deportation to Jordan. The defendant denies these accusations, rejecting claims that he facilitates extremist travel or poses a national security threat. He argued that deportation would breach Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights, citing past torture in Jordan during the 1990s and a real risk of future ill-treatment. The man, who has resided in Ireland since 2000, sought to set aside the deportation order and compel the Minister to process his asylum application. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed all grounds of the action, finding that the defendant failed to persuade the Minister of the veracity of his account of previous ill-treatment or the risk of future abuse. The judge determined that the Minister's decision was not unreasonable and contained no illegality in her assessment. The Minister opposed the action, rejecting arguments that she failed to properly consider the risk of torture. Following the dismissal, the judge adjourned the matter for one week to determine if the judgment will be appealed to the Court of Appeal.
2016-03-18 · Ireland
The High Court has reserved its judgment in a deportation challenge brought by an unidentified man alleged to be involved with Islamic State (ISIL) extremists. The respondent, who has resided in Ireland since 2000, denies State claims that he consulted with senior violent extremist leaders, poses a national security threat, or recruited for ISIL. He argues that deportation to Jordan would breach Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to a risk of torture, citing past abuse in the 1990s. The State, represented by Conor Power SC, opposed the action, asserting that the Minister properly considered all evidence before issuing the deportation order. Power highlighted inconsistencies in the man's asylum applications, noting he did not mention torture in his 2000 application and had subsequently sought consular assistance from Jordan. The man's counsel, David Leonard BL, argued that Jordan's treatment of suspected extremists and the interrogation of the man's family members demonstrated a credible risk. Following a four-day hearing, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys reserved his decision on Friday. The judge indicated he hopes to deliver the judgment soon, and the matter is scheduled to be mentioned before him in April.
2016-03-04 · Ireland
In a High Court hearing, the Minister for Justice was found to have acted lawfully and considered all relevant factors before issuing a deportation order against an unnamed man alleged to have ties with Islamic terrorists. The man, who has lived in Ireland since 2000 and has an Irish‑citizen child, challenged the order, claiming he would be tortured if returned to Jordan. He denied the state's allegations of consulting extremist leaders, recruiting for ISIL, and arranging travel for the group. The court noted inconsistencies in his asylum applications, including a 2000 application that omitted any mention of torture. Counsel argued that the possibility of ill treatment in Jordan was insufficient to prevent deportation, and that no evidence showed the man was known to Jordanian authorities. The case was scheduled to continue next week.
2016-02-03 · Ireland
In 2016 the Supreme Court granted the State permission to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision in Chinguara & Others v Minister for Justice and Equality. The case concerned a non‑national family who had been refused refugee status in 2008 and subsidiary protection in 2011, after which the Minister issued deportation orders. The High Court had found no grounds for judicial review and the family had avoided deportation by changing address. In 2015 they sought an undertaking that they would not be deported while their appeal was pending; the State refused, so they applied to the Court of Appeal for an injunction. The Court of Appeal held that the parents' case was arguable but that the children, innocent of their parents' deception, could not be subjected to deportation. It granted an injunction against deportation for both parents and children.
2016-01-13 · Ireland
The Court of Appeal will rule "as soon as possible" on an appeal by a man alleged to be an ISIS recruiter, whose deportation from Ireland has been halted by the European Court of Human Rights. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has argued that Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights bars his removal while his legal actions are unresolved. He fears torture if deported to a Middle Eastern country and has brought proceedings to prevent it. The State claims he is a threat to national security, describing him as the "foremost organiser and facilitator of travel by extremists" and the "main recruiter" for ISIS in Ireland. The High Court set aside a temporary injunction that had stopped his deportation, and the appeal was heard by Justices Peart, Sheehan and Alan. The Court of Appeal is expected to decide within weeks or months, but no exact date has been given.
2015-10-30 · Kerry
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, an asylum seeker, Mr Givi Verdzeuli, 66, requested assurances from the Gardaí that he would not be deported before testifying. Verdzeuli, the main prosecution witness against Georgian defendant Badri Khvedelidze, 33, who pleaded not guilty to the 2005 murder of fellow Georgian George Tkeshelashvili in Tralee, had been deported from Ireland prior to the trial. Garda witnesses confirmed attempts to lift the deportation order so Verdzeuli could return to Ireland to give evidence. Verdzeuli had previously stated he would return to Georgia after testifying and had received no assurances of remaining in Ireland post-trial. Georgian interpreter Lashka Trapaidze testified about a conversation on 19 October, where Verdzeuli expressed anxiety about being sent back and sought proof of non‑deportation. The trial continues before Justice Isobel Kennedy on 2 November.