Introduction:

The extradition process plays a significant role in international criminal law, allowing countries to cooperate in bringing absconders to justice. The UAE has established a comprehensive legal framework governing extradition, particularly with the enactment of Federal Decree-Law No. 39/2006 and the recent amendments introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2023. This legislation addresses the processes and principles surrounding the extradition of individuals accused or convicted of crimes, emphasizing the rights of individuals involved and the responsibilities of authorities. 

 

Legal Framework of Extradition in the UAE:

The UAE Extradition Law is primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 39/2006 on International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters, with significant amends made by Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2023. The law is designed to facilitate cooperation between the UAE and other states in combating crime while respecting individual rights and the sovereignty of the UAE. Additionally, these laws describe the processes involved in extraditing individuals accused of or convicted of crimes.

  1. Scope of Extradition
  2. Extradition is applicable to individuals sentenced to custodial penalties of 6 months or more or accused of committing crimes punishable by at least one year of imprisonment. The extradition process is initiated by the Public Prosecutor, who may request the Central Authority to communicate with foreign judicial authorities regarding extradition matters.
  3. Conditions for Extradition
  4. Under the Extradition Law, extradition requests are evaluated based on several conditions:
  • Type of Crime: Extradition is permissible for individuals sentenced to custodial penalties of at least 6 months or accused of crimes carrying a potential custodial penalty of one year or more.
  • Dual Criminality: The act for which extradition is requested must be a crime in both the requesting and requested states.
  • Non-Political Offenses: The law prohibits extradition for political offences, and the requested state has the discretion to refuse extradition if the crime is deemed political in nature.
  1. Grounds for Extradition Requests
  2. Extradition requests must be supported by several documents, including:
  • A detailed description of the individual to be extradited.
  • Information on the crimes committed, including legal characterizations and applicable laws.
  • Supporting documents translated into the language of the foreign judicial authority. 
  1. Rights of the Extradited Person
  2. Individuals subject to extradition have specific rights to ensure a fair process:
  • Right to Legal Representation: The extradited individual has the right to legal counsel during the extradition proceedings.
  • Right to Challenge: The person may contest the extradition request in court, allowing for a judicial review of the request’s legality and adherence to the stipulated criteria.
  • Protection Against Torture or Death Penalty: The UAE law mandates commitments from the requesting state not to execute the death penalty or subject the extradited individual to torture.
  1. Extradition Procedures
  2. The procedures for extradition in the UAE involve several key steps:
  • Extradition Request: The process begins with a formal request from the competent authority of the requesting state to the UAE’s Central Authority. This request must include detailed information about the accused, the crimes alleged, and supporting documents.
  • Judicial Review: The Public Prosecutor or a designated delegate reviews the extradition request and ensures compliance with the legal requirements. If the request meets all conditions, it proceeds to the relevant judicial authority.
  • Court Proceedings: The court will assess the request based on the established criteria, allowing the accused to present their defence. The court’s ruling can be appealed, providing an additional layer of judicial scrutiny.
  • Surrender: If the court grants the extradition, the individual will be surrendered to the requesting state, which is responsible for bearing the costs associated with the extradition.
  1. Recent Amendments and Their Impact
  2. The amendments introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2023 enhance the extradition process, emphasizing timely communication and cooperation between states. Key changes include:
  • Restructured Request Process: The law specifies the manner of submission for extradition requests, emphasizing diplomatic channels and the necessity for translations.
  • Urgent Cases: The law allows for expedited procedures in urgent cases, facilitating quicker action on time-sensitive extradition requests.
  1. Transit of Individuals
  2. The law also provides for the transit of individuals through the UAE if they are subject to extradition. The Public Prosecutor may approve transit, ensuring it does not compromise the UAE’s sovereignty or security.

 

Rights of the Extradite

The UAE Extradition Law guarantees certain rights for individuals facing extradition:

  • Legal Representation: Individuals subject to extradition have the right to legal representation throughout the extradition process. They can engage legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected and to contest extradition requests effectively.
  • Grievance Mechanism: The law allows individuals to submit grievances against extradition decisions to the competent court. This process ensures a fair hearing and an opportunity to challenge the basis for extradition. 
  • Protection Against Unlawful Extradition: The law prohibits extradition in cases where the individual may face the death penalty or in situations where extradition would violate human rights principles. This is particularly crucial in ensuring that individuals are not subjected to inhumane treatment or unfair trials.

 

Extradition Procedures

  • Initiating Extradition Requests: Extradition requests are submitted through diplomatic channels by the Public Prosecutor or a designated delegate. The requests must be comprehensive, including all necessary documentation to support the extradition.
  • Arrest and Detention: In urgent cases, the Public Prosecutor may issue a warrant for the arrest of the extraditee, allowing temporary detention pending the completion of extradition procedures. The warrant must comply with legal conditions and be communicated through official channels.
  • Judicial Oversight: The competent judicial authority in the UAE has the final say on extradition matters. It reviews the requests, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and safeguards the rights of the extraditee.
  • Controlled Surrender of Property: The law also addresses the surrender of items related to the crimes for which extradition is requested. The Public Prosecutor may authorize the surrender of evidence or proceeds of crime, ensuring that rights of third parties are respected.

 

Conclusion:

The UAE Extradition Law provides a robust legal framework for international cooperation in criminal matters while safeguarding the rights of individuals. As global crime continues to evolve, the efficacy of these legal mechanisms will be crucial in addressing challenges posed by transnational crime.