A Norwegian appeals court has dismissed the extradition of Tommy Olsen, a migrant rights activist accused by Greece of facilitating illegal entry, in a decision hailed as a rare victory for human rights. The Hålogaland appeals court in Tromsø unanimously rejected the request, ruling that Olsen's actions were lawful and protected under international treaties to which both countries adhere.
Court Cites Freedom of Expression
The court cited the risk to Olsen's freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights if extradited. It also stated that under Norwegian law, his actions—including recording violations, communicating with refugees, and assisting in asylum procedures—were not criminal offences. Norwegian prosecutors confirmed they would not appeal the ruling.
Background of the Case
Olsen, founder of the Aegean Boat Report, was arrested in Tromsø on March 16 after a European arrest warrant from Greece. A district court initially upheld the request, but the appeals court overturned it. Greek authorities allege Olsen ran a criminal organisation to smuggle people into Greece, a charge rights groups say is a misuse of anti-smuggling laws.
Zacharias Kesses, Olsen's lawyer in Athens, called the decision unique, noting that blocking extradition on the continent is almost unheard of. He stressed that Olsen was charged with monitoring and reporting people in distress at sea, which the Norwegian court acknowledged as absurd.
Broader Implications
The case is part of a wider crackdown in Greece on NGOs assisting migrants. A February law imposes prison terms of at least 10 years and fines of at least €50,000 for NGO members found guilty of facilitating entry or exit of third-country nationals. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged Greece to revoke the arrest warrant and drop charges. Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, called for the case to be dropped, describing the prosecution as part of repression in Greece and at EU borders.
Eva Cossé of Human Rights Watch said the court's decision is a victory for human rights defenders and a rebuff to Greece's attempt to export its crackdown. Kesses added that Olsen will push for a trial in Greece to prove his innocence, though he may be tried in absentia.
