Extradition Success In A Complex Multi-Handed Extradition Appeal And Judicial Review

SMW has secured a significant extradition success in a complex, multi‑handed extradition appeal and judicial review.

Taking the case on appeal, SMW represented one of five requested persons accused of murder in Albania. Following an appeal against the District Judge’s decision to order extradition, the High Court overturned that decision on 24 April 2026. In parallel, judicial review proceedings were brought against the Secretary of State in relation to fatal errors in the extradition orders. Mr Justice Swift allowed both the appeal against the District Judge’s decision to send the case to the Secretary of State and the judicial review of the Secretary of State’s Order. The Court held that the extradition request originally certified by the Secretary of State was for different offences from those ultimately relied on during the extradition proceedings.

By the time of the extradition hearing, Albania was no longer seeking extradition on the same charges that had originally been certified. Mr Justice Swift found that it was not open to the Court to proceed on the basis of a materially different request and that the District Judge should not have sent the case to the Secretary of State in that form.

As a result, the appeal and judicial review succeeded, and the High Court ordered our client’s discharge. The Court also held that the extradition orders made by the Secretary of State had to be quashed. The proceedings took place over five days in the High Court.

Please find a link to the decision in this case here!

Katy Smart was the solicitor with conduct of this case. James Stansfeld of Matrix Chambers was instructed Counsel.