The Role of Criminal Lawyers in Extradition Cases in the UAE

Extradition cases in Dubai are, by far, some of the most complex and tricky legal battles held in jurisdictions. People need to hire a criminal lawyer in Dubai who can very well understand not just local laws but also international legal frameworks when an individual faces extradition in the UAE.

We, at Alqada Claim Recovery Services, are involved in the much more substantial legal matters of extradition cases from Dubai and the whole UAE. It is very important for you or someone you know from an extradition proceeding to understand how criminal lawyers play an important role in such cases.

What Is Extradition?

Extradition is the legal process through which a country requests another country to hand over an individual accused or convicted of a crime. This process is typically governed by bilateral or multilateral treaties between nations. In the UAE, extradition cases are handled under Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 on International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters, which outlines the legal framework for extradition procedures. However, some of the key laws governing extradition in the UAE include:

  • Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 on Mutual Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters.
  • The UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) outlines offenses that may lead to extradition.
  • International treaties signed by the UAE, such as those with the United States, United Kingdom, India, and European countries.
Why Extradition Cases in the UAE Are Unique

The UAE has signed extradition treaties with several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, France, and Russia. However, each case is unique due to different legal systems, diplomatic relations, and human rights considerations. Extradition in the UAE is often more complex than in other jurisdictions due to:

  • Sharia-based legal system
  • Strict regulations on financial and cyber crimes
  • Close cooperation with INTERPOL
  • No-extradition policy for UAE nationals

Because of these complexities, having an experienced criminal lawyer in Dubai is not just an advantage- it’s a necessity.

Under What Condition Is A Person Extraditable From UAE?

Extradition in the UAE means sending a person to another country for trial or punishment. The UAE has strict rules for this process.

For extradition to happen:

The crime must be illegal in both countries.

  • It should have a punishment of at least one year in prison.
  • There must be a legal agreement between the UAE and the requesting country.
  • The request cannot be based on politics or religion.
  • The person’s human rights must be protected.

The UAE considers both the person's rights and the associated human rights implications into consideration before extraditing individuals; it does not allow for extradition if individuals would suffer at the hands of torture or the death penalty in the requesting country.

How Criminal Lawyers Defend Extradition Cases in the UAE

Handling an extradition case isn’t just about legal knowledge; it requires strategic planning, negotiations, and an in-depth understanding of international law. This is where experienced criminal lawyers in Dubai belonging to professional law firms like Alqada Claim Recovery Services, step in. Their role includes:

1. Challenging the Extradition Request

The first step in fighting extradition is determining whether the request meets UAE legal standards. A lawyer will analyze:

  • Whether the request is politically motivated
  • If the crime is recognized under UAE law
  • If there is sufficient evidence to justify extradition

If any of these elements are missing, the extradition request can be challenged in court.

2. Ensuring Fair Legal Procedures

Legal representation is crucial to ensure that a person facing extradition receives a fair trial and is not unlawfully detained. UAE law requires that extradition proceedings follow Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (UAE Penal Code), ensuring the defendant’s rights are protected.

3. Negotiating Possibility with Authorities

A proficient criminal lawyer in Dubai can engage in negotiation with authorities in the UAE to find alternatives to extradition. There are also instances where charges can be settled, or the penalties can be downgraded or even served here within the UAE without extradition.

4. Human Rights & Humanitarian Grounds Defense

The UAE government does not allow extradition if the individual is at risk of torture, unfair treatment, or political persecution in the requesting country. If there is proof that extradition would violate international human rights agreements, the UAE courts can refuse the request.

Challenges in the Extradition Acts of the UAE

Extradition is rarely straightforward. Some of the most difficult challenges for extradition are as follows:

  • Political Sensitivities – Extradition requests may have diplomatic implications.
  • Human Rights Concerns – The UAE does not extradite individuals to countries where they may face torture or unfair trials.
  • Legal Complexity – Different treaties and international laws make the process intricate.
  • Evidentiary Issues – If the requesting country fails to provide adequate proof, the UAE courts may reject the request.
Notable Extradition Cases in the UAE
1. Financier Facing Fraud Charges

In a highly publicized case, a businessman was arrested in Dubai on the basis of an INTERPOL red notice for fraud-related offenses in Europe. His defense team successfully argued in court that the requests for extradition were politically centered and obtained the dismissal of the extradition request.

2. Cybercrime & Extradition

A foreign national was charged with hacking a multinational company and was arrested in the UAE. His attorneys claimed that the alleged act did not constitute a crime under UAE law, preventing his extradition.

These cases illustrate the need for proficient legal defenses offering by professional criminal lawyer in extradition lawsuits.

INTERPOL in Cases of Extradition in the UAE

Many extradition operations from Dubai involve INTERPOL Red Notices, issued worldwide to inform about a wanted person. However, a Red Notice and an extradition order are two very different things. Criminal lawyers are in a position to assist in challenging INTERPOL alerts when these turn out to be weak or are politically motivated.

Why Extradition Defense with Alqada Claim Recovery Services?

Extradition cases do not only signify legal battles for them: these become a fight for freedom. Alqada Claim Recovery Services keeps a proficient team of criminal lawyers in Dubai, specializing in international legal matters that ensure protection of their clients against wrongful extradition and upholding their rights.

Our expertise includes:
  • Challenging unlawful extradition requests
  • Negotiating with UAE authorities for alternative solutions
  • Defending against politically motivated charges
  • Protecting human rights in extradition proceedings

If you or someone you know is facing extradition proceedings in the UAE, don’t leave it to chance. Contact Alqada Claim Recovery Services today for expert legal representation. We stand by you every step of the way.

Call us now or visit our website to book a confidential consultation.

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