Extradition is the legal process through which one country requests the return of an individual to stand trial or serve a sentence.
Our firm specialises in complex extradition cases, including those involving violations of diplomatic law and immunities. We frequently advise clients facing politically motivated allegations from powerful states, where a fair judicial process cannot be guaranteed.
When necessary, we engage with regional and international human rights courts and bodies, including the ECOWAS Court of Justice (Abuja), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul), the European Court of Human Rights (Strasbourg), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (Washington, D.C.), and the United Nations Special Procedures (Geneva).
Our strategy often involves collaboration with the diplomatic community and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Many of these cases also involve INTERPOL, necessitating a multi-faceted legal strategy to provide robust representation.
Our unique experience enables us to represent clients facing extradition anywhere in the world, developing and directing legal strategies in collaboration with local counsel.
- Advised in the defence of a Venezuelan Special Envoy who was unlawfully detained en route to Iran. The case involved significant violations of diplomatic and customary international law, leading to a full presidential pardon granted by President Biden in December 2023.
- Facilitated the development of diplomatic dialogue between several states, including West African nations, the Americas, and Europe. This engagement addressed critical issues of judicial overreach and unilateral coercive measures.
- Successfully filed a submission to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights on behalf of a high-profile individual, halting extradition pending investigation.
- Overturned a national decision at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, resulting in the client’s release, cessation of extradition, and compensation being ordered.
- Represented a Western Hemisphere government in successful filings before the UN Human Rights Committee and several UN Working Groups and Special Rapporteurs.