Rexhino Abazaj to be extradited to Germany by French court

The Paris Court of Appeal has ordered the extradition of Rexhino Abazaj, an Albanian antifascist activist known as ‘Gino’, to Germany. Abazaj is accused of participating in violent clashes against neo-Nazis during a parade in Budapest in February 2023. While Hungary had previously sought his extradition—a request France had refused due to concerns regarding fundamental rights and the risk of inhumane treatment—Germany is now seeking him for the same incident, as some of the alleged victims are German nationals.

Abazaj faces up to 10 years in prison in Germany, whereas he could face up to 24 years in Hungary. His lawyer, Youri Krassoulia, has denounced the decision as ‘scandalous’ and announced an appeal to the Court of Cassation. The defense expressed concerns that handing him over to Germany might serve as a gateway for a subsequent extradition request from Hungary.

The case has drawn significant political attention, with critics arguing that the decision undermines protections for activists and highlights inconsistencies in the application of European Arrest Warrants.