19 Sep IRISH HIGH COURT REFUSES BELFAST MANS EXTRADITION STATEMENT BY KRW LAW HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS
We act on behalf of Robert Duffy. Today the High Court made an Order discharging our client from his long-lasting Extradition proceedings.
Our client has been subject to these proceedings since 8 April 2022 following a Trade and Co-Operation Agreement Warrant issued by the United Kingdom authorities. They sought his surrender to the North to complete a life sentence in that jurisdiction, following the revocation of his licence on 7 February 2012.
An earlier High Court Order was made on 29 July 2024 for Mr Duffy to surrender to the Northern Authorities, giving the Minister for Justice 25 days within which to give effect to said order and remove him from the jurisdiction. As Mr Duffy is, however already serving a life sentence in The South of Ireland the Minister for Justice was unable to effect his removal within the timeframe required.
The Minister on 3 September 2024, moved an application before the High Court to fix a new date for Mr Duffy’s surrender, arguing that the issues preventing his removal were abnormal, unforeseeable and beyond the State’s control.
Speaking outside the Irish High Court after the Ruling Mr Michael Clements of KRW LAW said,
“Today the High Court refused the Minister’s application, finding the issues preventing Mr Duffy’s removal were, in fact, foreseeable. Following this refusal to fix a new date the High Court then discharged him from the Extradition proceedings. This has been a long running and difficult process for Mr Duffy and his family. We welcome the very fair hearing our client received on what was a most challenging legal battle. The Courts decision this morning is vindication of his legal Rights.”