Advocate General’s Opinion in Case C-743/24 (Alchaster II)

On 13 February 2025, Advocate General Spielmann handed down his Opinion in the above matter.

In his Opinion, he advised the CJEU that the concept of a “heavier penalty” under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights does not include changes in parole rules where automatic release after serving half a sentence is replaced with conditional release after serving at least two-thirds, subject to an assessment conducted by Parole Commissioners. This was consistent with the submissions advanced by the United Kingdom.

Judgment from the Grand Chamber of the CJEU is awaited.

Jason Pobjoy appeared on behalf of the United Kingdom in the Grand Chamber of the CJEU.

A press release from the Court is available here.

A copy of the Advocate General’s Opinion is available here.