HOLD THAT WARRANT

THE ECONOMIST

Extradtion is a fine thing if you run a criminal justice system. It is rather less attractive when you are hauled from your home and taken to a foreign court-room to defend yourself, with limited legal help or interpretation, while your life back home collapses. Concern is growing in the European Union that fast-track extraditions under the European Arrest Warrant are skewed too much in favour of the system and against the individual.

A London-based lobby group, Fair Trials International, has produced some shocking cases of miscarriages of justice. Now it has gained support from 15 influential European jurists from 10 jurisdictions. In a new letter to the EU's Justice Commissioner, Vivian Reding, they call for changes.

The British government has already commissioned a review of extradition rules, not only to the EU but also to America. Initiatives such as this will add pressure for a speedy and radical shakeup.