Lawyers appeal extradition claiming Polish judiciary will 'simply not respect' fair trial rights

Lawyers for a suspected drugs trafficker are seeking leave to appeal an order for his extradition to Poland, despite “generalised and systemic” violations to the independence of the Polish judiciary.

Polish authorities are seeking the surrender of Artur Celmer (31), who is wanted to face trial in his native Poland on drugs trafficking charges. He was arrested in Ireland on foot of a European Arrest Warrant last year and his lawyers had opposed their client's surrender over “radical changes” to the Polish justice system, which has put the country at odds with the European Union in recent years.