A Norwegian appeals court has blocked the extradition of migrant rights activist Tommy Olsen to Greece in a decision that human rights groups and legal experts have described as a major victory for freedom of expression and migrant rights across Europe.
The ruling, delivered by the Hålogaland Court of Appeal in Tromsø, rejected Greece’s request to extradite the Norwegian activist, who was accused of helping facilitate the illegal entry of migrants into Greece through his work with the NGO Aegean Boat Report.
Lawyers representing Olsen called the judgment unprecedented, saying it is extremely rare for a European court to block an extradition request on human rights grounds. The court unanimously ruled that Olsen’s activities were lawful under Norwegian law and protected by international human rights treaties recognised by both Norway and Greece.
According to Zacharias Kesses, who leads Olsen’s legal team in Athens, the decision sends a strong message about the protection of human rights defenders in Europe.
“It’s a unique decision. Blocking an extradition request on the continent of Europe is unheard of, which is why this is also such a victory for human rights,” Kesses said. “Tommy was charged with monitoring and reporting people in distress at sea – an absurdity that the Norwegian court acknowledged.”
Olsen was arrested at his home in Tromsø, Norway’s Arctic capital, on 16 March following the issuance of a European arrest warrant by Greek authorities. A lower district court initially approved the extradition request, but Olsen appealed the decision before the Hålogaland appeals court.
In explaining its ruling, the court said extraditing Olsen could threaten his right to freedom of expression, which is protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. The judges also noted that his activities — including documenting alleged human rights abuses, communicating with refugees, and helping asylum seekers — are not criminal offences under Norwegian law.
Norwegian prosecutors later confirmed they would not appeal the ruling, effectively strengthening the court’s decision and allowing Olsen to remain in Norway for now.
Founded in 2017, the Aegean Boat Report has become known for documenting migrant crossings in the Aegean Sea and reporting alleged “pushbacks” involving migrants attempting to enter Greece. Greek authorities have repeatedly denied accusations of illegal pushbacks despite continued reports and evidence presented by human rights organisations and migrant advocates.
Greek prosecutors accused Olsen of operating a criminal smuggling network, claims strongly rejected by international rights organisations. Groups such as Amnesty International argued that the case represented a misuse of anti-smuggling laws aimed at intimidating humanitarian workers and discouraging support for migrants and refugees.
Human rights groups said the prosecution reflects a wider crackdown on NGOs and activists assisting migrants in Greece. Under a law passed earlier this year, Greek authorities were granted expanded powers to remove NGOs from official registers and impose severe penalties on aid workers accused of helping undocumented migrants enter or leave the country.
The legislation includes prison sentences of at least 10 years and fines of no less than €50,000 for NGO members found guilty of facilitating the movement of non-EU nationals into or out of Greece.
Olsen’s arrest drew widespread international criticism from rights defenders, humanitarian organisations, and United Nations officials. Mary Lawlor publicly called for the charges against him to be dropped, arguing that his prosecution appeared linked to the increasing repression of people helping migrants at European borders.
Following the Norwegian court’s ruling, Human Rights Watch urged Greek authorities to immediately withdraw the European arrest warrant and drop all charges against Olsen.
Eva Cossé, senior Europe researcher at Human Rights Watch, described the decision as a direct rejection of attempts to silence critics and criminalise humanitarian work.
“The court’s decision not to extradite Tommy Olsen is a victory for the work of human rights defenders, and a direct rebuff to Greece’s attempt to export its crackdown on dissent,” she said.
Despite the ruling, Olsen could still face legal proceedings in Greece because the European arrest warrant remains active. His lawyer said efforts will now focus on securing a trial in Greece where Olsen can defend himself against the accusations.
Kesses argued that the case forms part of a broader pattern in which activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers assisting migrants face legal harassment before eventually being cleared by courts.
The case has renewed debate across Europe about the treatment of migrant rights defenders, the use of anti-smuggling laws, and the balance between border security and human rights protections. Humanitarian organisations warn that criminalising aid workers could discourage life-saving assistance for migrants attempting dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.