BSQ Partner Roger Sahota has been quoted extensively in the media concerning the operation of the US parole system for individuals awaiting extradition to the USA accused of crimes carrying a potential life sentence.  There has been considerable interest in this area of law following the recent ECHR decision in the case of Horne v UK.

Roger Sahota and Ben Keith, a barrister from 5SAH, represented Mr. Horne. Both also acted in the leading extradition case of Sanchez-Sanchez v. the United Kingdom ([GC], no. 22854/20) before the Grand Chamber. Additionally, they were involved in Patrick Bijan Balahan v. Sweden (Application no. 9839/22), where the appellant faced a life sentence with a minimum term of 61 years.

Roger Sahota commented: “The Court has yet to grapple with the issue of the total lack of parole in most US states and federal cases. The evidence is that there is not effective parole system. But it has not been tested as the Court consistently finds that there is no real risk.”

Links to various media articles on the case follow below:

• BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68535684

• Sun Sentinel – Florida: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/03/12/european-court-orders-boca-raton-murder-suspect-back-to-the-florida-for-trial/

• Belfast Telegraph : https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/us-man-wanted-over-drugs-related-killing-loses-legal-bid-to-avoid-extradition-from-ni/a1298504616.html

• Joshua Rosenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-keith-68a81040_murder-suspect-loses-rights-claim-activity-7173215469758324736-VCuw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

  
  

BSQ is a leading criminal defence law firm, with extensive experience in international criminal defence law. If you need an international crime solicitor or extradition defence lawyer our highly experienced criminal defence solicitors would be happy to assist you with your case,