New laws to stop EU cross-border injustice

Fair Trails International have for years been campaigning for improved justice in the EU and elsewhere in the world.

Catherine Heard, Fair Trials International’s Head of Policy, said following this decision: “This is another big step forward in the protection of fair trial rights. If you do not understand your rights when arrested – rights like access to a lawyer or an interpreter – or you are deprived of information about the case against you, a fair trial is impossible. This new law will help ensure EU countries deliver justice to a higher, more consistent standard, building a firmer foundation for EU cooperation in the fight against crime.”

Fair Trials International further explained their work on cases across the EU.

“Cases like that of Garry Mann, extradited to Portugal after a grossly unfair trial – illustrates the serious risk of injustice that arises when people are not given early access to basic information about their legal rights or the charges against them.”