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Assange just one example: unjust extradition in Europe’s arrest system

Assange’s extradition is only the tip of the iceberg Flawed European arrest warrant system means thousands face unjust extradition each year  Jago Russell   guardian.co.uk, 9 Feb 2011, Julian Assange is fighting extradition to Sweden. Many suffer unjustified extradition ordeals under the present system. No doubt, in the coming days, many more column inches will be dedicated to Julian Assange‘s battle against extradition to Sweden. His case, however, is the tip of the iceberg. In 2009 more than 4,000 people were extradited under Europe’s fast-track extradition system, 700 from the UK alone.This kind of EU co-operation may help in the fight against crime but the benefits of a streamlined system should be weighed against the heavy toll taken upon an individual when surrendered to another state.

A few days ago, four of Fair Trials International’s clients spoke in parliament about their personal extradition ordeals. These examples clearly demonstrate that the European arrest warrant is not operating “efficiently and in the interests of justice”……..

Assange’s extradition is only the tip of the iceberg | Jago Russell | Law | guardian.co.uk

February 10, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | civil liberties, EUROPE