On 14 May 2021, the Divisional Court of Lord Justice Stuart-Smith and Mr Justice Holgate allowed the appeal in the extradition case of Tabuncic & Coev v Government of Moldova [2021] EWHC 1269 (Admin).
 
The Court found that the District Judge was wrong to accept the assurances on prison conditions from the Moldovan Government especially in relation to inter-prisoner violence. The Court was concerned that the Moldovan Government had made no attempt to tackle the issue of inter-prisoner violence identified in a number of reports by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. 
 
There was also strong evidence that Moldova had breached the assurances given in a linked case where the extradited person had not been held according to the assurances. The Court was extremely concerned about the position with Moldovan assurances and commented that any future extradition cases would have to be scrutinised with the most anxious care. 
 
View the judgment in full here.
 

David Josse Q.C. has been Head of Chambers since 2015. He is a barrister specialising in extradition, human rights, international war crimes and serious crime, both nationally and internationally. David is ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a silk in the field of extradition at the London Bar.

Ben Keith is a leading specialist in Extradition and International Crime, as well as dealing with Immigration, Serious Fraud, and Public law. He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Criminal and Civil Court of Appeal as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations. Ben is ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners in the field of extradition at the London Bar.

Louisa Collins is a barrister specialising in extradition, international crime and human rights law. Louisa is recognised for her hard work ethic, her ability to handle complex and sensitive cases and also her approachability. She is ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners in the field of extradition at the London Bar.