Jannemieke Ouwerkerk explains how extradition works
In the media
An extradition treaty is an agreement between countries on the surrender of (suspected) criminals who have crossed international borders. These treaties are not always straightforward. Jannemieke Ouwerkerk appeared on NPO Radio 1 to answer listeners’ questions.
The purpose of extradition treaties is to ensure that suspects and convicted offenders cannot evade justice simply by leaving the country. The treaties set out the conditions under which countries will surrender criminals to one another. The Netherlands has recently concluded extradition treaties with the United Arab Emirates (in 2023) and Morocco (approved by the House of Representatives in June 2026).
In an episode of NPO Radio 1, Professor of European Criminal Law Jannemieke Ouwerkerk answered listeners’ questions about extradition treaties. For example:
What kinds of conditions are included in an extradition treaty?
What happens if an act is considered a crime in one country, but not in another?
What are the available options if you are a Dutch national detained in a country with which the Netherlands has no extradition treaty?
Listen to the NPO Radio 1 item for answers to these questions and a discussion on extradition and extradition treaties.