Fair Trials International Appoints New Chief Executive

September 29 2008

Jago Russell has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Fair Trials International (FTI).

A lawyer by training, Jago worked as a legal specialist in Parliament, assisting select committees in numerous high-profile inquiries. For the last three years he has worked at the human rights charity Liberty, where he played a leading role in prominent public campaigns to defend basic rights and freedoms. 

For well over a decade Fair Trials International has provided a lifeline to people facing charges in a country that is not their own. FTI has also become an influential voice in the UK and Europe, campaigning for better protection for those facing charges abroad, and working for fair trials based on international standards of justice.

Commenting on the new role, Jago said:

“I’m honoured to have been appointed as Chief Executive of Fair Trials International. At any one time many thousands of people face the terrifying experience of a criminal trial in a foreign land, far from family and friends. This is only set to increase with the growth in international travel, commerce and communications, and the increasing willingness of countries to export their citizens to stand trial in foreign courts, even when fundamental defence rights are at risk. FTI’s work has never been more important than it is today.”

Peter Lipscomb OBE, Chairman of FTI, said:

“Jago’s credentials as a human rights lawyer, a lobbyist and a campaigner make him perfectly placed for this role and we are delighted to have him on board. I have every confidence that Jago will be an outstanding Chief Executive and build on FTI’s past achievements.”

For further information or comment, please contact -

Jago Russell, 020 7762 6400 or 07940 88 79 78