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Detention

Answer

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for Scotland are the designated UK authorities responsible for processing European arrest warrants (EAWs). In relation to requests from EU member states, I understand from SOCA that, as at 13 January 2012, there are currently nine people who have been held in detention for over one year on the basis of an EAW, pending extradition to another jurisdiction. Of these nine, two people are wanted in relation to terrorism offences. SOCA does not hold records on the location of individuals within the prison estate. This is held by NOMS and its counterparts in devolved Administrations. This total figure breaks down as follows: eight persons held in extradition detention who have been held for more than one year and less than two years. One of the eight is wanted in relation to terrorism offences; and one person held in extradition detention who has been held for more than two years and less than three years. This person is wanted in relation to terrorism offences. The Home Office is responsible for processing requests from non-EU member states for the UK, excluding Scotland. According to Home Office records, as at 13 January 2012, there are 19 people who have been held in detention for over one year pending extradition to another jurisdiction. Of these 19, seven are wanted in relation to terrorism offences, and nine are held in maximum security detention. This total figure breaks down as follows: seven people held in extradition detention for between one and two years. Of these seven, one is wanted in relation to terrorism offences; and this person is in a maximum security prison; three people held in extradition detention for between two and three years. Of these three, one is in a maximum security prison; none currently held in extradition detention for between three and four years; two people held in extradition detention for between four and five years. Of these two, one is held in a maximum security prison; and in that case, extradition has been stayed pending consideration by the European Court of Human Rights; none currently held in extradition detention for between five and six years; two people held in extradition detention for between six and seven years. Both are wanted in relation to terrorism offences. One is held in a maximum security prison and one in a maximum security prison hospital. In both cases, extradition has been stayed pending consideration by the European Court of Human Rights; and five people held in extradition detention for more than seven years; in two of these cases extradition proceedings were adjourned while the person concerned was tried and convicted for a UK offence. In each of the five cases, extradition has been stayed pending consideration by the European Court of Human Rights. Four are wanted in relation to terrorism offences and all four are held in maximum security prisons. This sets out the position in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland deals with its own extradition requests.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

14653; 734 c143-4WA

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Detainees Extradition Terrorism Maximum security prisons

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk