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The English High Court blocks the extradition of Ardian Nikulaj's killers, the prosecution: We will appeal. Top Channel provides the details of the decision
2026-04-24 19:57:12 / AKTUALITET
The High Court in London has temporarily blocked the extradition from England of five Albanian fugitives suspected of involvement in the murder of Ardian Nikulaj in April 2023, in Shëngjin.
This is the decision of Judge Justice Swift, submitted by Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu, accepting the request not to extradite to Albania Thomas Mithan, Harriet Bridgeman, Harry Simpson, Steven Hunt and Edmond Haxhië, who according to the Lezha Prosecutor's Office was the mastermind of the murder.
According to the decision handed down this Friday morning, Judge Justice Swift accepted the defence argument that former Secretary of State for Home Affairs, Yvette Cooper, signed an extradition order on the old charges of blood feud murder, which was changed to murder in complicity with intent.
In such arguments, the judge declared the arrest warrants converted into extradition orders invalid.
Another argument accepted by the court is related to the guarantees given by Lezha prosecutors that the five wanted men will not be charged with blood feuds.
This guarantee, it is stated in the decision, is no longer in effect since the two prosecutors who issued it are no longer part of the Albanian judiciary after they left the vetting process.
Top Channel asked the British prosecutor's office, which in this case represents the interests of the Albanian state, what happens after this action.
A spokesman said that “on behalf of the Republic of Albania, notice has been given of the intention to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court under section 114 of the Extradition Act 2003.”
The same spokesperson confirmed that Haxhia, Mithan, Simpson and Hunt will continue to be held in custody while Bridgeman will be released on bail.
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