Extradition and European Arrest Warrants
Strategic defense in extradition proceedings, European Arrest Warrants and international surrender cases in Greece.
Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office advises and represents individuals facing extradition requests, European Arrest Warrants (EAWs), international arrest requests and surrender proceedings before the Greek courts.
Extradition cases often involve urgent detention, cross-border investigations, human rights considerations and complex interactions between multiple legal systems. Immediate legal intervention is frequently critical.
The Firm regularly assists foreign nationals, international lawyers and families dealing with extradition and international criminal cooperation matters involving Greece.
Key Areas of Practice
1. Extradition Proceedings
Extradition is the formal process through which one State requests the surrender of a person located in another State for prosecution or enforcement of a criminal sentence.
Extradition proceedings before the Greek courts often involve complex legal and factual issues requiring immediate strategic assessment.
We assist with:
- extradition requests from foreign countries;
- extradition to non-EU jurisdictions;
- extradition hearings before Greek courts;
- detention pending extradition;
post-decision legal remedies.
2. European Arrest Warrants (EAW)
The European Arrest Warrant system allows EU Member States to request the surrender of individuals for prosecution or execution of criminal sentences.
Although the EAW system is based on mutual recognition, surrender is not automatic. Greek courts may examine a number of legal and procedural issues depending on the circumstances of the case.
We assist with:
- execution of European Arrest Warrants;
- defense against surrender requests;
- detention pending surrender;
- appeals and remedies;
- coordination with foreign counsel.
3. Airport Arrests & International Arrest Requests
Many extradition and EAW cases begin with an unexpected arrest at an airport, port or border crossing.
Immediate legal assistance is often crucial during the first hours following arrest.
We assist with:
- airport arrests in Greece;
- arrests based on Interpol alerts;
- arrests based on European Arrest Warrants;
- arrests for extradition purposes;
- urgent communication with family members;
- coordination with embassies and foreign lawyers;
- representation before prosecutors and judicial authorities.
Immediate Assistance
If you or a family member has been arrested at a Greek airport pursuant to an international arrest request, immediate legal representation may significantly affect the course of the proceedings.
4. Detention Pending Extradition
Detention is one of the most significant concerns in extradition and EAW proceedings.
Greek courts may order detention pending the final determination of the surrender request, but alternative measures may be available depending on the circumstances.
We assist with:
- detention hearings;
- release applications;
- bail requests where available;
- restrictive measures;
- detention reviews;
- challenges to prolonged detention.
5. Appeals & Higher Court Proceedings
Extradition and surrender proceedings may involve several procedural stages and legal remedies.
The availability of appeals depends on the applicable legal framework and the nature of the proceedings.
We assist with:
- appeals against extradition decisions;
- appellate proceedings;
- Supreme Court litigation;
- procedural challenges;
- post-decision legal remedies.
6. Human Rights & Extradition Defense
Human rights considerations often play a central role in extradition and surrender proceedings.
Greek courts, as well as European courts and institutions, may examine whether surrender would expose an individual to serious violations of fundamental rights.
We assist with:
- prison condition arguments;
- fair trial concerns;
- inhuman or degrading treatment issues;
- Article 3 ECHR arguments;
- Article 6 ECHR fair trial issues;
- politically motivated prosecutions;
- vulnerable individuals and medical conditions.
Why Choose Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates
Extradition and European Arrest Warrant cases are among the most urgent and complex forms of criminal litigation.
These matters require not only knowledge of Greek criminal procedure, but also an understanding of international criminal cooperation mechanisms, European human rights law and cross-border litigation strategy.
The Firm offers:
- experience in extradition and surrender proceedings;
- representation of foreign nationals;
- cooperation with international law firms;
- legal expert work involving Greek law;
- strategic and human rights-based defenses;
- urgent response in arrest situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should seek legal representation immediately. The first hours following arrest are often critical and may affect detention decisions and procedural strategy.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, Greek courts may examine legal obstacles to extradition, including human rights concerns, procedural issues and statutory requirements.
Yes. Detention may be ordered pending the final determination of the extradition request or surrender proceedings.
Extradition generally applies between different States under international agreements, whereas the European Arrest Warrant is an EU-specific surrender mechanism based on mutual recognition.
The duration varies depending on the legal framework, complexity of the case and available remedies.
In some circumstances, courts may consider human rights concerns, including prison conditions, fair trial issues and risks of inhuman treatment.
Yes. The available grounds depend on the applicable treaty, legal framework and specific circumstances of the case.
Yes. The Firm regularly represents foreign nationals involved in extradition, EAW and international criminal cooperation proceedings in Greece.
Yes. We frequently cooperate with foreign lawyers and legal teams in cross-border matters involving Greece.
Arrested in Greece Under an Extradition Request or European Arrest Warrant?
Immediate legal assistance may be critical.
Contact Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office for urgent representation in extradition, European Arrest Warrant and international surrender proceedings throughout Greece.