Norwegian court blocks extradition to Greece of migrant rights activist

A Norwegian appeals court dismissed Greece’s extradition request for an activist accused of facilitating illegal entry into Greece. The court ruled unanimously that the activist’s conduct was lawful and protected under international treaties binding both countries. The decision was described as unprecedented in Europe. The court cited the risk to freedom of expression if extradition proceeded, referencing a fundamental right under the European Convention on Human Rights. It also found that, under Norwegian law, actions including recording violations, communicating with refugees, and assisting in asylum procedures were not criminal offences. Norwegian prosecution authorities stated they would not appeal. The activist’s NGO had monitored and reported people in distress at sea and raised concerns about alleged pushbacks in the Aegean.

"The Norwegian appeals court dismissed the extradition request for the activist accused of facilitating the illegal entry of people into Greece, calling the decision a rare victory for human rights. Lawyers for Tommy Olsen said the judgment was unprecedented, with the court unanimously rejecting the request and stating his actions were lawful and protected under international treaties binding both countries. The court also acknowledged that the charge was absurd, given that Olsen was charged with monitoring and reporting people in distress at sea."

"Explaining its decision, the appeals court cited the risk posed to Olsen’s freedom of expression, a fundamental article of the European convention on human rights, if extradition occurred. It also stated that under Norwegian law his actions, which included recording violations, communicating with refugees and assisting in asylum procedures, were not deemed to be criminal offences. Prosecution authorities in Norway made clear they would not appeal against the judgment."

"It's a unique decision. Blocking an extradition request on the continent of Europe is unheard of, which is why this is also such a victory for human rights. Tommy was charged with monitoring and reporting people in distress at sea, an absurdity that the Norwegian court acknowledged. Olsen was arrested at his home in the arctic capital of Troms on 16 March after a European arrest warrant issued by Greece."

"The Aegean Boat Report, founded by Olsen in 2017, had frequently expressed concern over the alleged practice of pushbacks of migrants in the Aegean. Greek authorities have always denied the forced expulsions despite evidence, described as incontrovertible, by human rights defenders. Greek authorities, which have yet to respond to the judgment, lodged the extradition request earlier this year, claiming Olsen was running a"

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