Czech extradition case sparks row with Government

A diplomatic row has developed between the Irish and Czech governments because Ireland has not extradited two men wanted for questioning in the Czech Republic about serious crime.

The men are Czech national Tomas Puta (34) and Slovak national Maros Sulej (34). They have been living in Celbridge in Co Kildare and Lucan in Dublin. They came to Ireland in 2002 and 2003.

The row over their extradition has developed to such an extent that Czech Republic deputy prime minister and minister for justice Pavel Nemec has warned Minister for Justice Michael McDowell that relations between the two countries have already been damaged over the affair.

He implied the Irish Government was undermining the security of the European Union.

In a letter sent to Mr McDowell on August 3rd, he wrote: "Because of the seriousness of the offences . . . great importance is attached to this case, even as regards future relations between the Czech Republic and Ireland.

"Trust of Czech authorities in Irish authorities . . . is also being impaired - the principle of mutual trust is the fundamental principle on which . . . common freedom and security in the European Union . . . (is) being built up."

Mr Nemec said the Czech authorities believe the men are preparing to flee to the Dominican Republic from where, he says, their extradition will be impossible.

He complained that specific details as to the men's location here had been supplied but they had not been arrested. According to the Czech department of justice, there has been no reply.

A spokesman in Prague told The Irish Times Mr Puta is wanted for questioning in relation to murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Mr Sulej, a former member of the Slovak police's special taskforce, is wanted for questioning in relation to organised crime including armed robbery.

Last year, the Government was unable to comply with an extradition request because of anomalies in Czech European Arrest Warrant legislation.

These have now been resolved, however, and the Czechs authorised another European Arrest Warrant on July 13th.

A Czech delegation visited Ireland in June to raise the case with Mr McDowell.

The Czech ambassador, Josef Havlas, also raised the matter.

The Department of Justice said it could not comment. However, The Irish Times understands the High Court has sanctioned the arrest warrant, clearing the way for the men's arrest and extradition.

While gardaí have attempted to locate the men using contact details provided by the Czechs, they have been unsuccessful.