Someone I know has been arrested abroad — what can be done?
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. Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — emergencia consular (91 379 17 00) — the consular service of Spain — 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. Colegio de Abogados — turno de oficio / justicia gratuita (abogacia.es) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Oficinas de Asistencia a las Víctimas del Delito (mjusticia.gob.es) supports the family at home.
🗣️ What to say
"[Name], a citizen of Spain, 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: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — emergencia consularGive 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
❓ 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
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores — emergencia consular →
- Colegio de Abogados — turno de oficio / justicia gratuita →
- Oficinas de Asistencia a las Víctimas del Delito →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “arrested abroad what to do Spain”
- “consular assistance detained citizen”
- “family member in prison abroad help”
- “legal aid abroad arrested”
- “transfer prisoner home eu”
🧭 Is this still correct?
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