- 06-Nov-2025
- public international law
Extradition is the legal process where one country surrenders an individual to another country to face criminal charges or serve a sentence. In this process, an individual’s mental or physical health conditions may be considered, especially if these conditions could affect the fairness or safety of the legal process. Countries have obligations under international law to protect individuals from torture, inhumane or degrading treatment. This includes ensuring that individuals who may suffer due to their health are not sent to face unfair trials or punishment. As a result, health conditions can play a significant role in determining whether extradition should proceed.
Many countries require a psychological assessment before extradition to ensure that an individual is fit to stand trial. A defendant with a serious mental illness may not be able to understand the charges against them or participate in their defense, which could delay or prevent their extradition.
If an individual’s health condition could worsen in the country to which they are being extradited, their physical health may be a factor. For example, individuals with terminal illnesses or requiring continuous medical treatment may be denied extradition if they cannot receive adequate care in the requesting country.
The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) prohibits the extradition of individuals if there is a credible risk that they may face torture or inhumane treatment in the requesting country. This includes situations where the individual’s health condition could be exacerbated by extradition.
In some cases, a defendant’s mental state or ability to understand the proceedings may be assessed to determine if they are fit to stand trial. If they are not fit, extradition may be deferred until they are sufficiently treated or stabilized.
A critical factor is whether the extradition country can provide necessary medical treatment. If the individual’s condition cannot be adequately managed by the requesting country, the extradition may be denied or delayed until appropriate arrangements are made.
International treaties such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights emphasize the right to health protection for individuals. If a country fails to ensure appropriate care during the extradition process, it may be seen as a violation of these rights.
A significant concern is whether extraditing someone with severe health conditions could constitute cruel and unusual punishment. For example, a person who is too ill to withstand a trial or serve a sentence may argue that extradition would violate their fundamental rights.
Legal systems will often ensure that an individual with mental health issues is not subjected to unjust treatment, including extradition to countries where they may be at risk of being unable to stand trial or face excessive punishment.
Countries may require an independent medical assessment to determine whether extradition is feasible, especially if health conditions are involved. This includes both psychological and physical evaluations.
Legal teams may request a delay in extradition if they can prove that the individual's health condition is serious enough to warrant further treatment or recovery before proceeding with the legal process.
The defense may appeal an extradition order on the grounds of the defendant's health condition, arguing that the individual would face significant risk in the requesting country or that their health would deteriorate due to inadequate treatment.
Suppose a person is facing extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States for a financial crime. The individual suffers from severe mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, which require regular treatment and therapy. The defendant’s legal team argues that the extradition should be delayed or denied, as they may not receive the necessary mental health care in the U.S. jail system.
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