Norwegian court blocks extradition to Greece of migrant rights activist

Key points

• The decision of a Norwegian appeals court to dismiss the extradition of an activist accused of facilitating the illegal entry of people into Greece has been hailed as a rare victory for human rights.
• In a judgment described as unprecedented by lawyers representing Tommy Olsen, the Norwegian founder of the NGO the Aegean Boat Report, the court unanimously rejected the request saying his actions were not only lawful but protected under international treaties to which both countries adhered.
• Zacharias Kesses, heading Olsen’s legal team in Athens, said: “It’s a unique decision.
• Blocking an extradition request on the continent of Europe is unheard of, which is why this is also such a victory for human rights.
• Tommy was charged with monitoring and reporting people in distress at sea – an absurdity that the Norwegian court acknowledged.” Olsen was arrested at his home in the arctic capital of Tromsø on 16 March...