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Political Asylum And The Refugee Hijacker: A Suggested Alternative, Nancy L. Cohen

Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce

This Note will examine the circumstances under which a state may grant asylum to an individual who has committed an airline hijacking. It has been suggested that any airline hijacker who has committed a political offense and is exempt from extradition is thereby entitled to asylum. It is submitted that a more limited distinction be made. Only the individual who is truly seeking refuge from political persecution has a right to enjoy political asylum elsewhere. The terrorist or fugitive from justice, irrespective of his motives, has no right to asylum. He should, therefore, be extradited under all circumstances.