Homedoes-france-extradite-its-citizens
Can France extradite a French citizen to the United States?
No. France will not extradite French nationals to any country, including the United States. However, France may prosecute the French national domestically for offences committed abroad, pursuant to its obligations under French criminal procedure and international conventions.
Does France extradite to the UK after Brexit?
Yes, France can extradite non-French nationals to the UK under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) surrender mechanism, which replaced the European Arrest Warrant for UK-EU extradition after 31 December 2020. French nationals remain non-extraditable. Proceedings take place before the Chambre de l’instruction of the relevant Cour d’appel.
What happens to a French national wanted abroad if they cannot be extradited?
France applies the principle of aut dedere aut judicare — a French national who cannot be extradited may be prosecuted in France for the offence committed abroad. French courts have jurisdiction to try French nationals for serious crimes committed anywhere in the world. The requesting state can provide evidence and documentation to French prosecutors.
I am in France and have been arrested on a foreign extradition request. What should I do?
Contact us immediately. You have the right to legal representation from the moment of arrest. Our specialist extradition lawyers can provide emergency advice, appear at your first hearing before the Chambre de l’instruction, and mount a full defence to the extradition request. Acting fast is critical — procedural decisions taken at the early stages can […]
