An Albanian national wanted by Italian authorities is attempting to block his extradition from the United Kingdom, citing family plans and human rights concerns, according to court proceedings in London, local media reports.
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| Albanian with his Greek partner and their baby (illustration) |
During the hearing, Jerevija told the court that returning to Italy would disrupt his long-term relationship with his Greek partner, Cristina Ntina. The couple shares a son under the age of two and had planned to marry and expand their family. Ntina described him as a caring and devoted father, arguing that extradition would unfairly impact their family life.
In addition to family-based arguments, Jerevija claimed that extradition would violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He alleged that he could face retaliation from associates of his victims and be subjected to unjust treatment in Italian prisons. Such claims are often scrutinized closely in extradition cases involving individuals from the Balkans, including Albania and Kosovo.
However, Judge Daniel Sternberg rejected these arguments, ruling that public interest and the enforcement of immigration and criminal law outweighed the defendant’s personal circumstances. The court found insufficient evidence to support claims of a serious risk to Jerevija’s safety in Italy and dismissed the human rights concerns as unsubstantiated.
The case now moves toward a potential appeal, as Jerevija is expected to challenge the decision before a final ruling on his extradition is made. The outcome could further test how courts balance individual rights with cross-border justice obligations across Europe, particularly in cases involving the Balkans.