European law’s blunt instrument

However, as Fair Trials International (FTI) has been arguing for some years now, the EAW has turned out to be a very blunt instrument. While there can be no argument on behalf of some of those who have had their collar felt in some foreign land, the warrant has been too readily used in cases that were very minor, flimsy or nonexistent. It is time to rework it, so that the warrant is only employed when there is a clear, credible case against an alleged offender and when a speedy trial and proper legal representation is assured.

FTI has highlighted a number of cases, notably those of Michael Turner, who spoke of his detention in Hungary on the Today programme this morning, Deborah Dark, Edmond Arapi and Andrew Symeou, whose arrests they have challenged. It is worth checking out their website to examine the cases in more detail to understand how easily a well-intentioned act can go awry.