Arrested abroad — Ministère des Affaires étrangères

Direct answer

Every detained EU citizen has the right to have their consulate informed and to a lawyer and an interpreter — ask for both, immediately and in writing. Ministère des Affaires étrangères — assistance consulaire (247-82300) — the consular service of Luxembourg — visits, checks conditions, passes messages to the family, and provides a list of local lawyers; it cannot get anyone released or interfere with the case. Assistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuites (barreau.lu) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Service central d'assistance sociale — aide aux victimes (47 58 21-627) supports the family at home.

Call firstMinistère des Affaires étrangères — assistance consulaire

Report toAssistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuites

If that failsService central d'assistance sociale — aide aux victimes

🗣️ What to say

"[Name], a citizen of Luxembourg, was arrested in [city, country] on [date] and is held at [place if known]. I am [relation]. Has the consulate been informed? Can you visit, confirm their situation, and help with a lawyer and passing messages?"

🪜 Step by step

Consular line: Ministère des Affaires étrangères — assistance consulaireGive name, date of birth, place of detention, what you know. Ask them to make contact.
LawyerA local lawyer, from the consulate's list or via legal aid. A lawyer from home can advise but usually cannot act there.
Do not pay "release fees"Calls asking the family for money to free someone are almost always scams. Verify through the consulate.
Money and messagesThe consulate can transfer funds from the family for essentials and pass letters.
Long detentionTransfer to serve a sentence at home is possible under EU and Council of Europe rules; the consulate and the lawyer explain.

📇 All contacts

Ministère des Affaires étrangères — assistance consulaireAssistance to Luxembourgers abroadIn an emergency abroad📞 247-82300 🔗 maee.gouvernement.lu/fr/services-aux-citoyens/assistance-luxembourgeois-etranger.html

Assistance judiciaire (Barreau) / consultations juridiques gratuitesLawyer paid for, free consultationsWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.barreau.lu/assistance-judiciaire

Service central d'assistance sociale — aide aux victimesVictim support, state compensationAfter any crime📞 47 58 21-627 🔗 justice.public.lu/fr/aides-informations/assistance-sociale.html

❓ Frequently asked

Can the consulate get them out?

No — they cannot interfere with the justice system of another country. They ensure fair treatment and contact.

What if the person is a dual national of that country?

The other country may not recognise the right to consular access. The consulate still tries.

Will it be on their record at home?

Foreign convictions can be exchanged between EU countries (ECRIS). A lawyer at home can advise on the consequences.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔓 Someone I know has been arrested abroad — what can be done?