How Are Convict and Detainee Extradition Procedures Conducted Between Kazakhstan and Turkey?

Extradition of convicts and detainees between Turkey and Kazakhstan is a critical process carried out under bilateral criminal justice cooperation. These procedures operate within both national legislation and international agreements. Experts at Cosmos Legal outline the extradition process in detail.

1. Legal Basis for Extradition

Extradition between Kazakhstan and Turkey is based on:

• Bilateral treaties signed between the Republic of Turkey and Kazakhstan,

• The European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (1957),

• National Criminal Procedure Codes and relevant legislation of both countries.

Extradition requests are evaluated according to the principles of mutual trust and rule of law.

2. Crimes Eligible for Extradition

Extradition generally applies to individuals meeting the following criteria:

• Serious crimes (e.g., murder, terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime),

• Acts considered criminal in both countries,

• Crimes punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.

Crimes related to politics, military duties, or freedom of thought are excluded from extradition.

3. Extradition Procedure

Request Stage

Turkey or Kazakhstan submits an extradition request via diplomatic channels, including the person’s identity, the description of the crime, and court decisions.

Temporary Detention

In urgent cases, Kazakh authorities may temporarily detain the individual upon request.

Court Review

Kazakhstan courts examine the extradition request in accordance with national law.
The person subject to extradition retains the right to defense.

Decision and Implementation

After court approval, the Ministries of Justice coordinate the extradition.
The individual is handed over to the requesting country’s authorities at the designated border or on a set date.

4. Extradition from Turkey’s Perspective

Extradition of Turkish citizens is generally prohibited under the Constitution; however, the process for foreign nationals may proceed more quickly.

5. Role of Cosmos Legal

Extradition of convicts and detainees is a technical and sensitive legal area. Cosmos Legal provides clients and their families with support in the following areas:

• Legal review of extradition requests,

• Preparation of defense strategies under international agreements,

• Representation before judicial authorities in Kazakhstan or Turkey,

• Protection of human rights throughout the process,

• Coordination of mutual legal assistance and official document follow-ups.