International law and criminal law
International law and criminal law are among the specializations at Knoops’ Advocaten.
International criminal law
The lawyers at Knoops ’Advocaten offer legal support to those suspected of international crimes, who are under investigation by international criminal tribunes. These are suspects who are being pursued in connection with, among other things, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. In the past we have defended suspects before the Yugoslavia tribunal, the Rwanda tribunal and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Knoops’ Advocaten are currently defending a suspect at the International Criminal Court. The International Criminal Court in The Hague is the first permanent court where international criminal cases can be heard.
International public law
International public law is concerned with treaties and laws which apply between states and other entities which have international judicial powers, such as international organizations. International public law protects the peace and security, common interests and the rights of citizens. Knoops’ Advocaten provide advice in international matters, including cases involving treaty law, illegal government action in the form of violations of international law, property rights and human rights.
Extradition and surrender
Worldwide cooperation between the police and the judiciary is on the increase. Any country can ask any other country for legal assistance. This may include matters such as providing evidence, carrying out searches, or arresting someone in order to extradite or surrender them. The lawyers at Knoops’ Advocaten have extensive experience with supporting persons facing cross-border criminal investigations, extradition and surrender requests as well as with the transfer of criminal prosecutions and criminal sentences.
Extradition
On the basis of treaties it has entered into, the Netherlands can be asked to extradite persons from the territory of the Netherlands. The extradition request is handled by a court in the Netherlands, and may be followed by an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands in The Hague. The final decision rests with the Minister of Justice. The lawyers at Knoops’ Advocaten can provide support at all stages of this procedure.
Surrender
Since 2004, there has been no extradition within the European Union; instead, suspects are surrendered. Surrender is a fast procedure, which takes place on grounds of what is known as a European Arrest Warrant. In such cases, the surrender section of court of Amsterdam performs only a marginal check on the request. The decision cannot be appealed. The lawyers at Knoops’ Advocaten provide support throughout this process.
Enforcement of Criminal Judgments (Transfer) Act.
When a person has been irrevocably sentenced in one country, but wishes to serve the relevant sentence in the Netherlands, a request can be submitted under the terms of the Enforcement of Criminal Judgments (Transfer) Act. The procedure applies only to countries which are party to the relevant treaty. The lawyers of Knoops’ Advocaten can provide assistance throughout this procedure.