Algerian Fugitive Wanted for Homicide in France Caught Swimming from Ceuta to Morocco

On September 29, a man of Algerian nationality had been apprehended by the Guardia Civil as he was trying to reach Morocco by swimming. An unusual fact. After investigation, it turned out that this Algerian was wanted for homicide in France. His lawyer tried to contest his extradition by invoking a defect in the form of the European Arrest and Surrender Warrant (OEDE). However, the detainee sowed confusion by declaring himself Moroccan, native of Fez, despite his obvious attempts to leave Spain, reports El Faro de Ceuta.

The Criminal Chamber of the National Court rejected this appeal, citing the inconsistencies in the detainee’s statements and confirming the validity of the extradition form. For the justice system, all available identity information had been recorded, including the absence of a date of birth. The arrest of the suspect occurred under particular circumstances, when he tried to bypass a jetty at the level of the Tarajal beach, an unusual behavior that alerted the authorities.

Among the clues that led to his arrest, a black phone, constantly on and receiving calls, played a crucial role. The exchange of information between the police forces revealed that this phone corresponded to the one mentioned in a search warrant issued by France for homicide. This match eliminated any doubt about his identity and his link to the homicide in France.

Similarly, the decision of the National Court regarding the extradition of the individual to France contains an important condition. The Spanish justice system has required that France demonstrate, before extradition, that its legal system allows a review of the life sentence, in accordance with the Spanish constitutional principles which consider such a sentence without the possibility of review as inhuman and degrading. This condition has been accepted by the National Court, thus ensuring an extradition in accordance with the standards of justice and human rights.