The arrest of an Israeli citizen outside the country's borders is a dramatic and complex event – legally, emotionally, and logistically, for both the detainee and their family members in Israel. In recent years, many cases involve arrests following suspicions of economic crimes, cyber offenses, international fraud, or money laundering offenses – and the process may lead to an extradition request from a third country like Germany, the USA, or Britain.
What is an International Arrest?
An international arrest occurs when a person is arrested in a foreign country, usually at the request of another country (country of origin or a third country), which seeks their extradition for a criminal offense.
In many cases, this involves executing an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol or a law enforcement authority in a requesting country, and the entire process is subject to local laws, extradition agreements, and international human rights.
Arrest in a Foreign Country – Initial Situation
When an Israeli is arrested abroad, they usually find themselves helpless facing a foreign legal system, often in a language they don't master. Right from the first moments, it's important to act correctly:
- Don't say anything unnecessary – any statement may serve as evidence.
- Demand a lawyer immediately – both local and, as much as possible, Israeli.
- Demand notification to the Israeli consulate – Israeli representation is entitled and even obligated to assist.
- Maintain composure and cooperate with the law – but while preserving rights.
Extradition Process – What is it and How is it Carried Out?
An extradition process is a request that one country submits to another to transfer a person suspected or accused of a criminal offense. This is an international procedure anchored in bilateral agreements and international treaties.
Extradition is not limited to Israel alone – but may be to any other country that requests the suspect's extradition.
Should You Agree to Extradition or Oppose It?
This is one of the most important decisions to make – and it must be done with the accompaniment of a criminal lawyer specializing in extradition.
Considerations in favor of consent:
- Harsh detention conditions in the detaining country (such as Eastern Europe, South America, Turkey, etc.).
- Access to family, language, and familiar system in the requesting country.
- Possibility of a plea deal in the requesting country that would lead to quick resolution of the process.
Considerations in favor of opposition:
- Legal flaws in the extradition request.
- Fear of not receiving a fair trial in the requesting country.
- Medical or family considerations that would justify keeping the detainee in the current country or in Israel.
Detention Conditions in Foreign Countries
Detention conditions in different countries worldwide range from reasonable to horrifying:
- In Latin American countries: overcrowded detention cells, unreasonable food, lack of medical treatment, poor sanitary conditions.
- In Eastern Europe: crowding, movement restrictions, difficulty accessing lawyers and telephone, harassment by prisoners and detainees.
- In Western Europe and North America: in most cases more reasonable conditions, but problems still exist.
Legal Accompaniment – Combined, Local and International
Managing an extradition or arrest case in a foreign country within the framework of combined work:
- Local lawyer in the detaining country – who understands the local criminal process, submits bail release requests, contacts authorities in the local language, physically accompanies the detainee.
- Israeli lawyer specializing in extraditions and international arrests – who coordinates between authorities, accompanies the family in Israel, visits the detainee, coordinates with the embassy and law enforcement bodies.
Basic Rights of a Detainee in a Foreign Country
- Right to silence – don't answer investigators' questions until you've met with a lawyer.
- Right to legal representation – you can demand quick legal consultation.
- Right to call the Israeli consulate or embassy.
- Right to food, medical treatment, call with lawyer, humane conditions.
Summary
Arrest in a foreign country is a complex situation that requires immediate response, smart strategy, and cross-border cooperation. The extradition process is not a given – you can agree to it, oppose it, or even demand to expedite it if necessary. The main thing – don't act alone.
If a family member or acquaintance is arrested abroad – don't wait. Contact us for assistance in finding a suitable local lawyer, communication with the Israeli consulate, communication with the prosecution in the requesting country, visiting the detainee, support and legal accompaniment.