Extradition laws uphold rights, says McDowell

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell was adamant yesterday proposed new extradition laws included extensive safeguards to protect an arrested person’s human rights. The minister yesterday published the proposed European Arrest Warrant Bill, 2003 which is due to take effect in all EU member states on January 1 next year.

The Bill replaces current legislation, including arrangements between Britain and Ireland, but will not impact on extradition procedures with non-EU states.

The legislation is part of an EU framework decision in which the Government and its EU counterparts all agreed to new, common, anti-terrorist measures following the September 11 atrocity in New York.