3.9
The author also criticizes the French authorities for the late notification of the deportation order and
its immediate execution, the sole purpose of which, in his view, was to deprive him of any contact with his
family and counsel, to prevent him from effectively preparing his defence and to place him at a psychological
disadvantage. He submits that it was consequently impossible in practice for him to enter any appeal between
the time of notification of the deportation order and its immediate execution.
State party's observations on admissibility
4.1
In a reply dated 31 October 1997, the State party disputes the admissibility of the communication. It
indicates that on 13 January 1997, the day on which the deportation order was issued and carried out, it had
not known of the Committee's request for a stay of execution, which was received on 14 January 1997, and it
therefore could not have taken it into consideration. It adds that the immediate and rapid expulsion was
necessary for reasons of public order.
4.2
The State party considers that the communication is inadmissible on the ground of non-exhaustion of
domestic remedies. If, in view of the nature of the alleged violation, the Committee were nevertheless to
consider that the remedies actually sought before the administrative and judicial courts were not useful since
they had no suspensive effect, it should be pointed out that other channels of recourse were open to the author.
When notified of the deportation order and the order indicating Spain as the country of return, he could have
applied to the administrative court for a stay of execution or for effect to be given to article L.10 of the Code
of Administrative Courts and Administrative Courts of Appeal. The author could also, when notified of the
two orders, have complained of a flagrant irregularity ("voie de fait") to the judicial court if he believed that
his transfer to Spain had no legal justification and violated a fundamental freedom. According to the State
party, such a remedy could have proved effective in view of the rapidity with which the judicial court is
required to act and its recognized authority to put an end to a situation which constitutes a flagrant irregularity.
4.3
The State party further specifies that, in order to obtain a rapid decision, the complainant could have
applied to the interim relief judge on the basis of article 485 of the new Code of Civil Procedure.d It grants that
an application for interim relief is admissible only in support of an application in the main action, but argues
that such an application could in the present case have been made for damages for the injury suffered as a result
of the irregularity. Furthermore, the Prefect who signed the orders of deportation and return to Spain could not
have opposed consideration of such an application by the judicial court pursuant to article 136 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure.e
Comments by the author
5.1
In his comments on the State party's reply, the author recalls the facts and procedures explained in the
previous communication and reiterates his observations concerning the admissibility of the communication.
With regard to the merits of the case, he recalls his claims concerning the personal threat to him of his being
deported to Spain, and the torture and ill-treatment he underwent.
d
This article states that "an application for interim relief is made by way of summons to a hearing held on the customary
day and at the customary time for such proceedings. If greater speed is required, however, the interim relief judge may allow a
summons to be given effect at the time indicated, even on public holidays or non-working days, either in chambers or at his place
of residence, in an open hearing."
e
This article states that "in all cases of infringement of the freedom of the individual, the dispute cannot be taken up
by the administrative authority and the judicial courts always have exclusive jurisdiction."
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