3.2.2. Information exchange by focal points concerning unfounded or abusive, in particular politically motivated extradition requests The State of nationality often possesses information of substantial importance to decide
whether an extradition request is unfounded or abusive, in particular politically motivated.
Therefore, close cooperation and exchange of information with the State of nationality of the
requested person can be essential, when a requested State evaluates an extradition request
regarding a citizen of another State.
In cases of reasonable suspicion that a request for extradition is abusive, in particular
politically motivated or otherwise unfounded (unlawful), the focal point of a State that has
received an extradition request from a third State regarding a national of another State, should
always inform the focal point of the State of nationality. This will allow to exchange relevant
information to take an informed decision on whether the request for extradition is politically
motivated or otherwise unfounded (unlawful) (c.f. Annex 3 - template and Annex 8 - template ).
Moreover, any focal point should in cases of reasonable suspicion that an extradition request
is unfounded or abusive, in particular politically motivated, promptly and proactively inform
and consult other focal points, as well as Eurojust, Europol and Interpol (c.f. Annex 8 - template ).
This notification mechanism among the focal points in cases of unfounded or abusive,
including politically motivated extradition requests applies to nationals of States, as well as to
nationals of third States and stateless persons.
33
4. Practical aspects of the Petruhhin mechanism and politically motivated extradition